Overview
- Published Feb. 26, 2026 in Pakistan Observer, the piece by Muhammad Asim Saddiqi presents a favorable assessment of Pakistan Air Force posture as disciplined deterrence.
- It recalls Operation Swift Retort on Feb. 27, 2019 as a calibrated response aimed at affirming credible deterrence and professional restraint.
- It asserts that May 2025 missions labeled Bunyanun Marsoos and Zarb-e-Karar downed seven advanced aircraft, including Rafales, with no independent corroboration provided.
- The author cites induction of J-10C fighters, advanced radars, unmanned aerial systems, loitering munitions, and long-range vectors as evidence of expanded combat capability.
- The piece credits Pakistan–China industrial cooperation, the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, cyber and space advances, and reforms under Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu for multi-domain readiness, noting coordination with Gen. Syed Asim Munir and the government.