This article concludes this series covering the four-day Indo-Pak war in May 2025. The war crossed previous thresholds in geographic reach, systems employed and produced unprecedented levels of mis/dis-information, that to this day cloud a clearer understanding specially from the Indian side. It ended after significant diplomatic engagement, primarily by the US.

The war saw many military firsts like: India using cruise missiles (BrahMos, SCALP-EG); Pakistan employing conventionally armed short-range ballistic missiles (Fatah Series); armed drone warfare between any nuclear armed neighbours; and the conflict being the largest aerial, EW, AI, psy-warfare duel.

Whereas India delivered precise standoff attacks across Pakistan, our AD interfered and intercepted some attempted strikes. Yet, Pakistan needs more robust AD, asset hardening and intelligence. No fighter jets reportedly crossed over into the other side's airspace, signifying the seriousness of AD threat. This implies Pakistan to continue to augment the BVR (beyond visual range) capability of PAF. IAF loss of up to six planes remains the largest military cost for India's arrogant belligerence. Indian propaganda claims of intercepting Pakistani drones and missiles need further investigation. Although attention was riveted primarily to the air and drone campaigns, the ground fighting along the LoC in Kashmir was deadly, causing most of the casualties.

This crisis involved innovative use of several weapons systems, neither side used during their last crisis in 2019. It would necessitate relevant defence acquisitions and doctrinal innovations by Pakistan, especially in drone and anti-drone technology, missile regime and precision, and asset hardening. Next crisis, under the prevalent Indian military thinking, might see greater and escalatory usage of cruise and ballistic missiles, armed drones, air force, long-range........

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