India adjusted its military tactics and achieved air superiority over Pakistan during this month’s conflict, according to Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. The confrontation was triggered by an April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan-backed militants, a claim Islamabad denied.
After initial losses in the air, India revised its strategy and launched large-scale retaliatory strikes on May 7, 8, and 10. Indian jets penetrated deep into Pakistani airspace, targeting air bases and reportedly evading Pakistan’s air defenses with precision. General Chauhan confirmed Indian air forces used various aircraft and weapons during the strikes and claimed hits on several Pakistani air bases, including one near Islamabad.
Pakistan maintains it downed six Indian jets, including three Rafale fighters, and claims Indian jets did not return after May 7. Islamabad denies any loss of aircraft but acknowledged minor damage to air bases.
Chauhan emphasized that nuclear escalation was never on the table. “There’s plenty of space for conventional warfare before crossing the nuclear threshold,” he said, adding that both sides acted rationally during the conflict.
Despite Pakistan’s close ties with China, India observed no unusual Chinese military activity along its northern border during the hostilities. Chauhan also said any satellite imagery used by Pakistan could have been commercially sourced, including from China.
He concluded by warning that India remains on high alert and would respond decisively to any future cross-border terror attacks. The recent conflict, involving fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery, marks the most intense military engagement between the nuclear-armed neighbors in decades.