Photo: AI
An unprecedented confrontation between the air forces of Pakistan and India took place in the skies over South Asia, which has already been called one of the largest and longest air battles in modern history. According to CNN, citing a Pakistani military source, 125 fighter jets took part in the incident, and missile attacks lasted for more than an hour, sometimes from distances of up to 160 km.
Despite the intense nature of the battle, neither side crossed the other’s airspace, unlike in 2019, when an Indian pilot was shot down and captured in Pakistan.
Disruption and deterrence
Pakistan claims to have shot down five Indian aircraft and prevented possible attacks on civilian targets. According to a CNN source, the Pakistani air force evacuated civilians from areas that could have been targeted in advance.
The Indian side has not officially commented on the losses, but according to media reports, the fighter jets conducted several raids on suspected targets. Both countries remain on high alert.
Balancing on the edge
Analysts note that both states are trying to refrain from direct war, remembering the consequences of previous conflicts. But the latest incident demonstrates how quickly the region can slide into full-scale war if control is lost.
