You have to admire the PAF's sharp thinking. They truly played a brilliant hand during the last air engagement. It showed incredible foresight. They seemed to have a gut feeling about their next move and with their deep understanding of IAF, they correctly predicted that the IAF would not dare to cross the border after the Abhinandan incident.
That single, astute calculation changed everything. It gave them the confidence to fight the battle on their own terms, utilising their top-tier PL-15 BVR missiles the moment they confirmed an attack. It was a masterful move, that would have a significant negative on the IAF's psyche for years to come. All this despite the fact that IAF has a huge budget and could afford so many expensive toys.
To add to that, it's also clear PAF are already thinking several moves ahead for the future. They know the next challenge will involve facing a barrage of land-based Brahmos missiles and the S-400 system (possibly S-500) trying to lock down the skies against their J-10Cs and JF-17s.
The PAF isn't just waiting for it to happen and will probably have their plans crafted out. In addition, it probably will involve coordiation with the newly created rocket force command I believe it's a game-changer that gives them the ability to proactively strike at enemy bases and saturate their air defences while PAF will maintain air superiority.
I hope the military planners now understand that any future fight will be a whirlwind, lasting only a few days. This means there is no room for hesitation. The entire strategy is about hitting with overwhelming and decisive force from the very first moment. I hope they really climb the escalation ladder in the next conflict. I predict it to happen in the next 3 years as long as Modi the Dumbo is around.
