India vs Pakistan | The Battle for Air Superiority

        image credit : indiatoday

The recent four-day aerial conflict between India and Pakistan offered a stark glimpse into the evolving nature of air warfare in South Asia. Spanning from May 7 to May 10, the engagement—sparked by India’s precision missile strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Punjab—highlighted the increasing reliance on smart airpower, drones, electronic warfare, and integrated defence networks.

While Pakistan attempted to retaliate through waves of drones, loitering munitions, and limited aerial strikes, India's multi-layered air defence system rose to the occasion. According to the Indian Army, nearly 800–900 Pakistani drones were neutralized under Operation Sindoor, showcasing the strength of India's counter-drone and integrated air defence capabilities.

In the initial hours of the operation, the Pakistani air defence network faltered against India's cruise missiles and precision-guided munitions launched from Rafale jets. These included SCALP cruise missiles and HAMMER bombs that effectively destroyed targeted terrorist infrastructure. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF), fielding platforms like the J-10CE, F-16, and JF-17, attempted to counter the strikes, but the loss of critical radar assets and an AWACS aircraft hampered their effectiveness.

India’s retaliatory strikes on May 9–10 targeted eight Pakistani airbases using SCALP and BrahMos missiles. These strikes rendered Pakistan's air defence increasingly ineffective and signaled India’s ability to launch deep precision attacks. The targeting of installations such as the Nur Khan airbase near Rawalpindi sent a strong strategic message.

Defence experts see Operation Sindoor as a proof-of-concept for India’s ability to execute networked, time-sensitive, and precise long-range strikes. Analyst Frank O’Donnell remarked that India’s rapid-fire BrahMos missiles and integrated command control left Pakistan little time to mount a credible response—exposing gaps in Islamabad’s missile defence systems.

Dogfight or Data War? Rafale vs J-10C

While the much-anticipated air-to-air confrontation between India’s Rafale and Pakistan’s Chinese-origin J-10C fighters captured the imagination of observers, conclusive evidence of any aerial kills remains absent. The Rafale, equipped with AESA radar, Meteor BVR missiles, and the SPECTRA EW suite, displayed superior sensor fusion and electronic warfare capabilities. However, Pakistan’s J-10C fighters, equipped with PL-15E missiles and Saab Erieye AEW&C support, showcased long-range engagement abilities.

Though reports suggest debris from Indian and Pakistani missiles was recovered, both sides have refrained from officially acknowledging aircraft losses. Analysts note that while the Rafale has a proven combat record in multiple theatres, the J-10C remains untested in real war—giving the Rafale a psychological edge.

Despite this, Pakistan’s rapid induction of advanced Chinese platforms and India's slow procurement pipeline reveal a concerning trend. India's squadron strength continues to decline, and delays in next-gen fighter acquisitions leave potential capability gaps.

The Real Winner: India's Air Defence Network

Perhaps the most decisive factor in Operation Sindoor was India’s superior air defence architecture. The IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), coupled with the Army’s Akashteer network, created a seamless data fusion grid. This allowed Indian commanders to track, identify, and intercept incoming threats in real time.

The multi-layered air defence included drone jammers, MANPADS, LLAD systems, and long-range SAMs such as the Akash and S-400. This robust structure successfully protected not just military installations but even high-value civilian targets, like Amritsar’s Golden Temple, from enemy drones and missiles.

In contrast, Pakistan’s HQ-9 and HQ-16 SAMs failed to prevent Indian strikes on Lahore and Karachi. Indian loitering munitions destroyed Pakistani LY-80 systems early in the conflict, leaving their defences exposed. Comparative studies consistently show that India’s S-400 system significantly outperforms Pakistan’s Chinese counterparts.

A Shift in Strategic Priorities

While Pakistan has focused on procuring offensive capabilities in response to India's Cold Start doctrine, India’s investment in radar technologies, missile systems, and indigenous development has paid dividends. Platforms like BrahMos, Akash, and electronic warfare systems have bolstered India’s stand-off strike and air defence capacities.

Analysts argue that the conflict reinforced the dominance of airpower—not just through aircraft but through data networks, EW systems, and unmanned aerial platforms. Operation Sindoor was a reminder that air superiority is no longer achieved solely through dogfights, but through integrated platforms working in harmony.

However, despite its success, India cannot afford complacency. The IAF’s diminishing fighter strength, ageing legacy platforms, and the slow pace of next-generation inductions require urgent attention. True air superiority in the next decade will depend not just on technology, but on agility in procurement and doctrinal evolution.

Written by Defence Expert