On May 7, between 1:30am and 1:38am IST (Indian Standard Time), an Indian Air Force (IAF) 4.5-generation multirole Rafale EH was neutralised by Pakistani fire. Within the same eight-minute window, three additional Rafales were downed, contributing to a staggering toll of at least seven IAF assets lost – four Rafales, one MiG-29, one Mirage 2000 and one Su-30MKI.

In the annals of aerial warfare, this frenetic eight-minute maelstrom stands as an epoch-defining conflagration. The historic engagement has done two things: first, redefined the battlespace; and second, showcased Pakistan’s formidable prowess in electronic countermeasures (ECM) and integrated air defence systems (IADS).

To be certain, the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) marks a pivotal evolution in bilateral ties. The SMDA underscores two critical geopolitical realities: first, Saudi Arabia’s growing apprehension regarding the reliability of US security commitments; and second, the significant enhancement of Pakistan’s regional deterrence posture.

In 2019–2020, Saudi Arabia........

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