During last weeks, we discussed perceptual aspects of the recent Indo-Pak standoff, India's doctrinal collapse, deterrence, 'Exterior/ Interior Maneuvers' by both sides, and brief rundown.

We continue, but first a brief recap. Ceasefire violations started by India in late April; escalation and military preparations took place between May 1-6. In military operations phase, India on May 7, launched "Operation Sindoor"; and on May 10, IAF attacked eight major Pakistani air bases, including Nur Khan base in Rawalpindi. The same day Pakistan retaliated across India, launching a complex air, missile, drone, space and cyber operation "Bunyan-un-Marsoos".

First the missile war. India used 'cruise' missiles, both the BrahMos version (PJ-10 co-developed with Russia) as well as the European SCALP-EG (Storm Shadow) missiles. The French made SCALP is integrated with IAF's French Rafael jets. In BVR (beyond visual range) mode, this missile, without crossing into Pakistan's air space, can reach upto 560 km, and was used in 7th May attack on the 'purported' militant infrastructure, Muridke, etc.

Indian military also employed solid-propellant rockets like the Israeli-origin medium-range (250 km) ballistic missile, Crystal Maze (also called Rocks), from Su (Sukhoi)-30 MKI fighter jets in BVR mode. IAF also fired the supersonic air-to-surface Rampage missiles, co-developed with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), from Su-30 MKI, Jaguar and MiG-29K (Indian Navy-IN) fighter jets. This missile can target up to 250 km.

Pakistan retaliated with conventionally-armed short-range Fatah-I and Fatah-II 'ballistic' missiles. A ballistic missile goes up, travels in space and renters the atmosphere........

© The Express Tribune