On the night of May 7, the skies over South Asia became the theatre for one of the most sophisticated aerial engagements of the 21st century. In a high-intensity confrontation, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed over 110 fourth and 4.5-generation combat aircraft, marking a rare example of full-spectrum conventional aerial warfare in the modern era. This report analyzes a minute-by-minute operational breakdown highlighting the tactical movements, engagement protocols, and command-level decisions that defined this unprecedented aerial conflict.
Operational Phase Initiation
At 00:10 HRS on May 7, Indian Air Force (IAF) commenced a large-scale aerial operation under the codename “Operation Sindhoor.” The operation began with synchronized combat takeoffs of Indian Airforce jets including Rafale, Su-30MKI, MiG-29UPG, and Mirage 2000 aircraft from multiple northern and central air commands. These assets were configured into four offensive air packages marking the initiation of a coordinated multi-axis strike campaign across the theatre.
At 00:12 hours the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) Early Warning Network integrated radars and electronic intelligence (ELINT) systems picked up unusual aerial activity. Within two minutes of the IAF’s first wave becoming airborne, the PAF moved to full combat alert, triggering its Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) protocol and scrambling defensive fighter squadrons. Combat aircraft of the PAF, primarily JF-17 Block III Thunder and J-10CE Vigorous Dragon, commenced takeoff from multiple forward-operating bases. The response time from initial detection to full airborne deployment was about 11 minutes, underscoring the PAF’s high state of operational readiness and efficient command execution under time-critical conditions.
By 00:30 hours the Indian Air Force (IAF) had completed the full deployment of its aerial strike force with approximately 72 combat aircraft airborne. These aircraft were organized into four strike formations comprising 14 Dassault Rafale multirole fighters alongside Su-30 MKIs, MiG-29s, and Mirage 2000s. Each formation was armed with of SCALP-EG cruise missiles, BRAHMOS and Rampage supersonic missiles and HAMMER glide bombs with the task of executing a standoff missile strikes at predetermined targets located inside Pakistan.
Drawing lessons from the 2019 India-Pakistan standoff during which India lost a MiG-21 Bison and a Su-30MKI Indian Air Force opted not to cross the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border. This decision was likely influenced by concerns over the Pakistan Air Force’s aerial superiority and rapid response capabilities.
At 00:37 hours Pakistan Air Force had 42 combat aircraft in the air, bolstered by AEW&C platforms and electronic warfare assets. A layered defensive formation was established along the expected threat axis with Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft providing real-time situational awareness and target acquisition data.At this point both sides were locked in a standoff near the border with a force ratio of 42 aircraft (PAF) to 72 aircraft (IAF). It was a numerical disadvantage for PAF offset by superior early warning coverage and tightly integrated command and control.
Kinetic Phase
At around 00:40 hours, without breaching the international border IAF initiated stand-off air-to-surface strikes targeting predetermined targets inside Pakistan located just outside the defense zone. The use of long-range PGMs (Precision-Guided Munitions) without airspace violation suggests a deliberate strategy to exploit range superiority while avoiding escalation. Simultaneously, aircraft of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) locked onto all Indian aircraft that had launched air-to-ground munitions by tracking their electromagnetic emissions.
Chief of Air Staff (COAS), Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu issued an order to escalate the Rules of Engagement (RoE) from defensive posture to full engagement authority. Upon command authorization, PAF’s J-10CE fighter jets and air defence systems launched anti-aircraft missiles at designated Indian Airforce targets.
- Intercepted IAF communications confirmed that “Godzilla-3” (a Rafale squadron call sign) was downed.
- “Godzilla-4” reported mid-air destruction, suggesting either secondary kill or missile proximity detonation.
- Within approximately 25 minutes, PAF successfully neutralized:
- 5 Indian fighter jets
- 1 MALE UAV (Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)
This engagement constitutes one of the most sophisticated and high-risk air combat scenarios of the post Cold-War era, featuring full operational deployment of 4.5-generation fighters, integrated AEW&C support, precision stand-off weaponry and real-time battle network integration. While both air forces demonstrated advanced capabilities, PAF’s superior situational awareness, rapid decision-making and precision engagement protocols resulted in a tactical air superiority victory. The outcome highlights the increasing importance of electronic warfare, sensor fusion and rules-based escalation control in modern air operations.
