“In the absence of peace, deterrence becomes the language of survival.” South Asia has a long history of conflicts because it has been home to two nuclear-armed neighbors. The rise of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) as a strong and capable deterrent has significant impacts on strategic outcomes and regional conditions.
The PAF now protects strategic deterrence as it stands between the limits of nuclear and conventional conflict.
Following the Pahalgam attack, the PAF, as an airpower, remains a leading force in preserving deterrence and safeguarding peace in South Asia. The PAF has made India isolated, and India has failed to capitalize on its alleged false flag operation on political grounds in front of the Western powers. This time, the West understands that New Delhi’s strategic recklessness is rooted in the ideology of Hindutva and electoral pragmatism.
Long before Pakistan had nuclear weapons, the region was involved in major wars. During 1965, 1971, and 1999, India began aggressive military escalations against Pakistan. In all these situations, with a stronger foe, Pakistan still defended its territorial integrity. In these wars, Pakistan’s resolve has demonstrated its determination to protect itself against all threats. Additionally, Pakistan’s fighter fleet, comprising over 450 jets, including the JF-17 and J-10C, is undergoing rapid modernization. Fifth-generation jets like J-35, KAAN/Iqbal, and PFX will give PAF a regional edge.
Hence, things changed dramatically for India’s security at Yaom-e-Takbeer when Pakistan became a nuclear power. Pakistan’s goal was to use nuclear deterrence to ensure peace in the region. For some period, these reasons did seem true. Due to nuclear deterrence, both states in South Asia became more cautious and less likely to cause trouble.
India acknowledged that the PAF is far more than a regular air force; it represents strategic parity for both countries.
The BJP’s power over the years in India has led the country to rely on aggressive and diversionary tactics. To gain a domestic advantage in politics, India launched the planned military actions at Uri (2016), Pulwama (2019), and Pahalgam (2025). All of these conflicts were presented to blame Pakistan and to launch military assaults on Pakistan while fulfilling both public and political ambitions in India. Such operations compromised the effectiveness of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy.
Therefore, after Pahalgam, we did not return to the same routine of accusations and action; instead, we saw the development of a new method of protection for South Asia. In retaliatory strikes from PAF during Pakistan’s Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, the Indian government realized that it needed to strengthen its defense strategy. India’s government quickly informed U.S. President Donald Trump that they desperately needed a ceasefire in the region. By urging a calm approach, India acknowledged that the PAF is far more than a regular air force; it represents strategic parity for both countries. The PAF now protects strategic deterrence as it stands between the limits of nuclear and conventional conflict.
The PAF stems from a long history of work in training, technology, strategies, and leadership. By participating in successful team training with air forces worldwide and by introducing innovative weapons and enhanced air defense networks, the PAF has quietly grown and improved. Being able to perform demanding work in hazardous situations with minimal losses and high accuracy makes it a strong deterrent to safeguard the peace of South Asia.
A well-trained and highly skilled air force discourages others from escalating the situation to a higher level of violence.
PAF is not in an isolated environment, but the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy back it. The military establishment fully understands that airpower is central to fighting today’s wars. Great efforts from both the government and industry have been made to ensure the PAF can succeed in air operations and support other security interests. It is a sign that Pakistan’s armed forces understand the importance of joint action for the country’s future.
PAF’s growth as a deterrent opens up a genuine opportunity for peace in the region. Deterrence means stopping war rather than engaging in combat. A well-trained and highly skilled air force discourages others from escalating the situation to a higher level of violence. Failing to escalate allows diplomatic efforts to start. For this reason, Pakistan’s air force maintains the peace and safety of the region, not just its own.
Everyone, from the region and beyond, should recognize the significance of this new reality. While nuclear powers remain crucial in South Asia, the rise of conventional airpower, particularly that of the PAF, has diversified strategic concerns. Because Pakistan can respond fully to every level of conflict, India’s mistakes and attempts to act aggressively need to be reconsidered.
Pakistan’s air force maintains the peace and safety of the region, not just its own.
The actual new normal is that the Pakistan Air Force is the primary strength that blocks threats to South Asia, reflecting the country’s commitment to sovereignty and peace. The last few years have helped the region adjust its mindset, affirmed India’s intent to adversaries, and increased the effectiveness of deterrence. Since nuclear arms give Pakistan a strategic advantage and the PAF dominates in actual fighting, the nation is set up to succeed and aid in regional peace.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
