Air dominance or Spectral dominance can be achieved through any means necessary. There is no written script and the strategy continues to evolve.
In the Indo Pak battle in 2025, India’s aim was to strike at alleged camps and deny or limit Pakistan’s response hence controlling the escalation ladder. The answer lies within those questions. Did India overwhelm Pakistan and translate that into forcing Pakistan’s hand tactically (from a war perspective) or strategically (from diplomacy perspective).
Tactically, the PAF knew the IAF were coming, it was a matter of when. When the IAF came, they lost the initiative due to losing several of their jets. More importantly, from a tactical perspective, the outcome was PAF was able to set a 200km buffer inside of Indian territory or Pakistan’s resolve not to retaliate. (Look at the bigger picture rather than seeing what toys fell)
Next day, the drones were deployed, in the hope that Pakistan’s AD will be overwhelmed. Did they or did they deter Pakistan’s strike next morning? (Again look at a bigger picture rather than how many installations could the drones destroy)
On May 10 early morning, Pakistan retaliated. Multiple installations and S400 (allegedly) hit. Again, look beyond how many installations and airfields were cratered, what did this move able to achieve? Look no further to Sofia Qureshi request of de escalation and a tacit signal to the Americans to get involved.
Post the Pakistan’s strikes, the Indian resorted to using Brahmos on Pakistan airfields. Again, look beyond what was able to be achieved? An adversary throwing in their top of the line weapon, signaling their escalation ladder has gone very high.
And then the US tweeting to get both sides to sit the **** down.
My advise to people on both sides of the isle, read between the lines and look at what war strategies aim to provide rather than focusing too much on actual damage.
