In just under three and a half days, South Asia experienced one of the most rapid and significant bursts of military activity in recent times. A limited military conflict between nuclear-armed Pakistan and India initially shifted strategic perceptions but soon became the foundation of critical regional shifts in security. Not only have nuclear and conventional thresholds been tested, but now experts are referring to this situation as the “new normal.”

Pakistan’s considered multi-front response has altered the future conflict situation.

Recent developments in South Asia suggest that Pakistan’s leadership is prioritizing the enhancement of its air power, nuclear capabilities, and technology-based defence planning, including initiatives based on emerging technologies. The supposed advantage that India had touted through traditional means has now been questioned, as Pakistan’s considered multi-front response has altered the future conflict situation.

During the war, the Pakistan Air Force dominated the air. As a result of their innovative and technology-driven action, the PAF shut down Indian planes and made it obvious they were better at controlling the region’s skies. Many Indian high-performance fighters were either disabled on the ground or shot down by Pakistan’s J-10 and JF-17s, which have PL-15 missiles and electronic assistance.

According to reports, India’s Cold Start Doctrine was notably absent, replaced instead by a scaled-down Dynamic Response Strategy (DRS) that failed to alter the strategic balance or its geographical position. It is a mix of changing tactics, and now also means that India is more aware of its inability to match Pakistan’s newer military systems.

Although air power was most important in the conflict, nuclear weapons are still the basis of deterrence. Again, Pakistan’s all-method style prevented a broader conflict. Because it set strong nuclear restrictions and allowed some conventional responses, Pakistan avoided uncontrolled situations. Being provoked and showing its political spirit, India was quick to seek a ceasefire, which demonstrated that Pakistan’s deterrence was effective. For three years running since 2019, Pakistan has shown a constant pattern: in retaliation, it attacks conventionally and requires outside intervention.

India was quick to seek a ceasefire, which demonstrated that Pakistan’s deterrence was effective.

Adding advanced technologies into the framework is a central part of its evolution. Technology, whether used for spying, distance attacks, or coup de main, is now a key factor in modern warfare. Because microchips are now the driving force behind drones and satellite defence, nations that adopt them the fastest dictate how the world will be organized in the future. Pakistan’s demonstrated skill in air, cyber, electronic, and kinetic domains is the result of deliberate modernization, not mere chance.

Specific modernization and planning initiatives contributed to this situation. However, relying too heavily on other nations for technology and having scattered policies left India at serious risk. Because Pakistan appears set to acquire new J-35 aircraft and will likely upgrade its missiles, the existing technology gap is expected to widen further.

This war has once more made evident two central truths. Today, a unified air and nuclear force enhances Pakistan’s deterrence strategy with greater strength and flexibility. Secondly, international actors continue to play a role in preventing escalation before nuclear thresholds are crossed and step in before any nuclear button is pushed.

Many within India and beyond have questioned India’s strategy for controlling strategic narratives through disinformation. Now that technology makes images and reports available online so quickly, military operations and final results are complex to conceal. Unlike previous crises heavily influenced by U.S. power, this conflict played out more independently within the region.

Technology, whether used for spying, distance attacks, or coup de main, is now a key factor in modern warfare.

The era of India relying on numerical superiority and Pakistan defaulting to a defensive posture is now being replaced by a strategy and technological edge. The aim is to achieve maturity in strategy, combine technology, and rely on a flexible deterrence approach suitable for events involving conventional or nuclear weapons. Should India launch a new military attack, Pakistan is ready with a more capable, prepared, and strategically agile defence.

Deterrence remains as effective as before, albeit in a different manner. As things change, so do the risks, the way we respond, and who is responsible. Peace in South Asia will come from being realistic, not from clinging to outdated doctrines or engaging in loud political rhetoric. The earlier India realizes what this new standard means, the better it and the entire region will fare.

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.