The claims have grave implications for India. It has modernised its forces in the past decade by buying 62 Rafales and is considering buying more. Pakistan, meanwhile, has added 150 JF -17 fighters, most jointly made with China, since 2007 and has bought 20 J -10 C s since 2022.

Lying at the heart of the Pakistani military establishment, the Pakistan Air Force base at Chakalala was the prime target of the Indian Air Force that was caught in the combat after it struck the terrorist hideouts.