PAF probably got a couple hits in, credit to their Chinese BVRs. But India wasn’t aiming for a fight with the PAF. The mission was simple, hit specific terror camps, not escalate into a full military clash. Once Pakistan responded, India replied. That’s basic escalation logic.
The Rafale getting hit? Sure, embarrassing. But from India’s point of view, this was a first, striking deep inside Pakistan proper, not just Pakistan Azaad Kashmir. And it wasn’t some military dictatorship ordering it.
What stands out is how selective India was. Looks like only camps with confirmed intel were hit. Probably to avoid unnecessary escalation. But since Pakistan seemed more focused on claiming an airforce 'win’ than worrying about a few terror camps, India could’ve easily gone for the probable ones too.
And let’s be honest, hitting major Pakistani bases didn’t seem all that hard. India probably chose not to go for the overkill, deliberately holding back to avoid pushing things further.
Meanwhile, back home, the rest of India apart from the border states barely flinched. It was mostly something to discuss over chai. We were literally finalizing the UK trade deal at the same time — arguing over whisky tariffs and visa quotas for yoga instructors. That’s the advantage of scale.
Still, credit where it's due, the boys at PAF held their nerve, got their moment, and gave their press team something to work with. Can’t fault them for making the most of it.
