The recent military clash between Pakistan and India has cooled into a tense stalemate, following a series of high-impact actions. The conflict ignited when India launched airstrikes that they said were in response to the Phalagam terror attack on April 22. India’s airstrikes killed dozens of Pakistani civilians and injured many more.

In response, the Pakistan Air Force swiftly asserted air superiority, downing up to four Indian fighter jets — including a French Rafale (confirmed by France), a SU-30MKI, a MiG-29, and a Mirage 2000 — dealing a significant blow to India's aerial capabilities. India escalated with psychological warfare, flooding major Pakistani cities with hundreds of loitering drones, inducing panic but causing limited casualties. This was followed by ballistic missile strikes on four major Pakistani airbases.

The strikes resulted in limited damage but were highly symbolic, striking the heart of Pakistan with powerful explosions. Pakistan's retaliation, though notably weaker, was strategic. Leveraging its earlier air victory and capitalizing on India’s Air Force losses, Pakistan chose to de-escalate rather than pursue further conflict. India, acknowledged its limited losses and signalled it was no longer seeking escalation. The result is a strategic stalemate, with both sides claiming victory while absorbing losses, and avoiding further confrontation.