ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force has operationally introduced the conceptof multi-domain operations through its conduct in Operation Sindoor,marking a significant evolution in regional aerial warfare strategy. Thisapproach integrates air, cyber, electronic, space, and information domainsinto a cohesive digital war ecosystem, enabling synchronized effects acrossmultiple battlefields. Indian defence analyst Praveen Sahni has describedthis development as a completely new game, signifying that future conflictswill see the Pakistan Air Force engaging at the operational level withenhanced lethality and coordination. The innovation underscores a shifttowards holistic, technology-driven combat readiness amid escalatingtensions.
The recent four-day confrontation in May 2025, triggered by a terroristattack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, provided the context for thisdemonstration. India initiated Operation Sindoor with missile and airstrikes targeting alleged militant infrastructure inside Pakistan. Inresponse, Pakistani forces employed integrated capabilities, includingfighter jets such as the J-10C equipped with advanced missiles, alongsideelectronic warfare and drone systems. Reports indicate that earlyengagements featured rapid, multi-domain responses, allowing Pakistan toinflict notable attrition on advancing Indian assets before broaderescalation dynamics unfolded.
Multi-domain operations represent a paradigm shift from traditionalsingle-domain air superiority pursuits. This framework synchronizes actionsacross land, air, sea, space, and cyberspace to create overwhelming effectsagainst adversaries. The Pakistan Air Force’s application during theconflict incorporated real-time data fusion, cyber disruptions, andelectronic jamming to degrade enemy command and control. Such integrationfacilitated quicker decision cycles and adaptive responses, aligning withglobal trends observed in advanced militaries like those of the UnitedStates and China.
Defence observers note that the Pakistan Air Force’s performancehighlighted the effectiveness of this ecosystem in countering numericallysuperior forces. By leveraging Chinese-origin platforms and indigenousenhancements, Pakistani operators achieved tactical advantages in initialphases, including aerial engagements and asset neutralization. Thisoperational success has prompted regional reconsideration of air powerdoctrines, with some analyses suggesting that the concept forcedadaptations in opposing strategies and emphasized the importance of joint,cross-domain preparedness.
Praveen Sahni, a prominent Indian defence commentator, has publiclyacknowledged the transformative nature of this approach. He emphasized thatthe Pakistan Air Force’s employment of multi-domain tactics constitutes afull digital war ecosystem, fundamentally altering the character of futureengagements. Sahni’s assessment points to the clarity of intent: the airforce will henceforth fight at the operational level, orchestrating effectsbeyond conventional air-to-air or air-to-ground missions to encompassinformation dominance and network-centric warfare.
The integration of advanced technologies played a pivotal role in thisevolution. Systems enabling seamless data sharing between platforms,real-time intelligence processing, and autonomous decision support toolsformed the backbone of the operations. This digital architecture allowedfor predictive targeting and resilient communications under contestedconditions. Consequently, the Pakistan Air Force demonstrated resilienceagainst attempts to disrupt its networks, maintaining operational tempothroughout the limited conflict.
Strategic implications extend beyond the immediate theatre. The adoption ofmulti-domain operations enhances deterrence by imposing higher costs onpotential aggressors through layered, unpredictable responses. It alsoaligns with broader armed forces modernization efforts in Pakistan,including investments in electronic warfare suites, unmanned aerialvehicles, and space-based assets. Such developments contribute to a morebalanced regional security equation, compelling all parties to prioritizeinteroperability and technological edge.
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International assessments of the conflict have varied, with some Europeanthink tanks focusing on overall outcomes while acknowledging tacticalinnovations on both sides. The Pakistan Air Force’s multi-domain executionhas been cited in discussions on emerging warfare trends, influencingtraining and doctrinal updates elsewhere. This includes collaborativeexercises with allied forces, such as recent engagements with Saudi Arabia,aimed at refining joint multi-domain capabilities.
In summary, the introduction of multi-domain operations by the Pakistan AirForce during Operation Sindoor signifies a maturation of its combatphilosophy. By creating a unified digital ecosystem, the force haspositioned itself to conduct operations with greater precision and impact.This advancement not only reflects technological progress but alsostrategic foresight in addressing contemporary threats, ensuring readinessfor complex, multi-front scenarios in an increasingly digitized battlespace.
Source:https://warontherocks.com/2026/01/deep-learning-from-operation-sindoor-five-takeaways-from-a-four-day-war
Praveen Sahni
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