Pakistan’s military history with India reveals a pattern: tactical skill often overshadowed by strategic missteps. From the 87-hour skirmish in 2025 to past conflicts, this dynamic has defined its approach. Despite claiming victories in most wars, Pakistan has faced major setbacks in 1971 and Kargil. The nation’s narrative often revises past events, a trend seen in school textbooks and media. This selective memory shapes public perception, even when outcomes contradict claims of success.
The 87-Hour Skirmish: A Tactical Win, Strategic Loss
The 87-hour conflict in 2025 became a flashpoint for Pakistan’s strategic ambitions. Officials and military leaders celebrated it as a victory, citing air combat achievements. However, the operation’s broader goals—to reopen the Kashmir dispute and secure U.S. support—fell short. The timing of the Pahalgam massacre, which preceded the skirmish, suggests premeditated planning. Pakistan’s leadership appears to have anticipated Indian retaliation, using the crisis to push geopolitical agendas.
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Analysts note that Pakistan’s military had prepared for an aerial response. Airborne early warning aircraft, J-10Cs, and JF-17s equipped with PL-15 missiles were positioned to engage in limited conflict. This strategy allowed Pakistan to claim limited success without escalating tensions further. Yet, the move failed to achieve its primary objective: leveraging U.S. relations to shift Kashmir’s status.
Donald Trump’s public praise of Pakistan as a “stalwart ally” briefly bolstered domestic narratives. However, this endorsement did not translate into lasting strategic gains. The U.S. had already distanced itself from Pakistan over past issues, and Trump’s comments were seen as a symbolic gesture rather than a policy shift. Pakistan’s reliance on external alliances to validate its actions highlights a recurring flaw in its long-term planning.
Military Tactics and the Limits of Control
India’s response to the skirmish demonstrated precision. Anti-radiation drones neutralized Pakistani air defenses, followed by strikes on heavily guarded air bases. These actions crippled Pakistan’s ability to retaliate, leaving its forces on the defensive. Despite initial successes in air combat, Pakistan’s military could not prevent the destruction of critical infrastructure, including radar systems and hangars.
Indian military officials acknowledged limited losses, with one commander describing the engagement as a 3-1 victory in a hockey match. This analogy underscores the mismatch between Pakistan’s tactical achievements and the broader strategic outcome. Pakistan’s focus on localized gains overlooked the long-term consequences of provoking a powerful neighbor.
The use of commercial satellite imagery to document damage to PAF bases further exposed Pakistan’s vulnerabilities. While its forces claimed air superiority, the physical destruction of facilities revealed gaps in both defense and contingency planning. This event mirrors past conflicts, where tactical wins failed to prevent eventual defeats.
Historical patterns suggest a disconnect between Pakistan’s military culture and political goals. The emphasis on short-term victories often overshadows the need for sustainable strategies. As one retired general noted, Pakistan’s leadership tends to prioritize immediate gains over long-term stability. This mindset risks repeating cycles of tactical success and strategic failure.
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