On 10 May 2025, Pakistan initiated Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, known in Arabic as the unbreakable wall, in response to Indian attacks on Pakistani territory under the command of General Asim Munir. This operation also highlighted the significant role of the Pakistan Air Force in defending the country successfully, as previously, PAF’s operational and technological expertise was acknowledged worldwide in Operation Swift Retort. This operation sent a clear message worldwide that Pakistan’s military is prepared to safeguard its territory if attacked by adversaries and demonstrated Pakistan’s capacity to deter with definite and accurate retaliation.
On April 22, 2025, in the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, 26 people were killed, which heightened tensions between India and Pakistan as India blamed specific Pakistani groups for the attack without evidence. The claims were strongly denied by Pakistan. On May 7, 2025, India started Operation Sindoor, a series of missile attacks and drone attacks against Pakistan’s cities and military installations. Civilians and military personnel were killed and injured in these attacks.
After downing five Indian fighter jets: three Rafale, one SU-30, and one MiG-29, the Pakistan Air Force responded strongly in Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos without any loss. The PAF accomplished a historic Beyond Visual Range combat win, and a “100–0” victory for Pakistan as declared by officials. This incredible performance by PAF forced India to look for a ceasefire. The successful battle reveals significant weaknesses in India’s air defense readiness and rules of engagement. This was the first time Rafale was shot down in a combat action, as Rafale fighter jets are regarded as some of the world’s most sophisticated multirole combat aircraft. Additionally, this was the first time Chinese and Western technologies were tested in combat, and China dominated.
Along with that, a significant unmanned aircraft attack was deactivated when Pakistan successfully intercepted and destroyed 78 Israeli-made armed drones, including Heron and Harop models. An Indian missile projectile was destroyed close to Punjab’s Dinga. Pakistan’s advanced radar and missile capabilities were demonstrated by the interceptions of multiple BrahMos supersonic missiles by its air defence systems. Pakistan retaliated influentially against Indian attacks, allegedly attacking 26 Indian military installations in retaliation for airstrikes on seven Pakistani targets. The Fateh-1 guided rockets fired by Pakistan seriously damaged Indian air bases and support areas.
The unsuccessful “Operation Sindoor” in India turned into a case study of poor strategic planning. Pakistan’s superiority in training, strategic thought, and execution was acknowledged even by Indian defence expert, including retired Army officer Pravin Sawhney.
In the record of regional military history, the Pakistan Air Force has established a distinct position that is characterized by its operational skill, quality, and clarity of vision rather than its mere size. The PAF has become a technology-savvy, strategically advanced, and professionally outstanding air force because of the leadership’s vision. The PAF’s “Rare Superiority” serves as both a strategic standard and a military reality in Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos and previously in Operation Swift Retort in 2019.
Previously, on February 26, 2019, the Indian Air Force (IAF) targeted Balakot, Pakistan, and launched a cross-border attack with its Mirage 2000H multirole fighters equipped with SPICE-2000 precision-guided glide bombs. India attacked what it claimed was a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) training camp in Balakot.In response, the PAF conducted Operation Swift Retort on 27 February, 2019 as its first large-scale air operations involving numerous modern technology, including: F-16A/B Block-15 Mid-Life Update (MLU) and/or Air Defence Fighters (ADF), JF-17s, Mirage III/5s, as well as Saab 2000 Erieye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) and Falcon DA-20 electronic warfare (EW) aircraft comprised the PAF’s composite strike force. As a result of Operational Swift Retort, an IAF MiG-21bis and a Mi-17 helicopter (which was accidentally shot down by an IAF SAM) were reported downed. One of the Indian pilots was captured by Pakistan, but later handed over to India as a gesture of peace. Swift Retort was noteworthy because it was the PAF’s first large-force engagement made possible by a network, showcasing a distinct capacity to combine several platforms and capabilities in a well-coordinated offensive operation.
Operation Swift Retort and Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos indicated that PAF has consistently demonstrated its expertise and adaptability with time. Pakistan always stressed the need to prevent conflict and advocated for talks to settle the dispute while retaliating against India’s aggressiveness. The PAF also showed that it had the strategic capacity to undertake operations deep inside enemy territory to target targets that were beyond the reach of ground-based forces. The PAF counterattacks on February 27, 2019, and May 10, 2025 dispelled the myth of Indian military might by demonstrating its superiority in both conventional and technical means.
It has become more evident that Pakistan needs a strong and up-to-date military as South Asia experiences significant geopolitical changes. Resilience, preparation, and strategic planning are essential, as seen by the recent confrontation with India. Long-term peace must be based on strength, even though conflict is still an undesirable path. Pakistan can defend its sovereignty, safeguard its national interests, and make a significant contribution to regional peace and security over the long run with an updated and well-equipped military.
Author: Nazia Sheikh
Email: Nsheikh536@gmail.com
Bio: Ms. Nazia Sheikh is a Research Officer at the Centre for International Strategic Studies, AJK and she has done MPhil in International Relations from the International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
