Pakistan surprised India with the strength and precision of its military hardware, said British defence analyst Professor Michael Clarke on Saturday, as reported by Sky News.
In an interview with a UK news outlet, Clarke remarked that India likely did not anticipate such a bold and calculated display. “The Indians might have been surprised by the hardware that the Pakistanis brought to bear,” he said.
He noted Pakistan used advanced Chinese-built technology during the escalation. The focus, Clarke said, is now on the J-10 fighter jet. He hinted that a Pakistani J-10 might have downed a French-made Rafale jet, one of India’s top fighters.
Clarke also pointed to the use of HQ-9 anti-aircraft missiles. He said they appeared to have been “rather effective.” According to him, Pakistan showcased surprising technical capabilities with its Chinese-supplied equipment.
However, Clarke added that India had expected a strong political stance from Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir. “They won’t have been surprised by the bellicosity of Munir,” he remarked.
He further revealed that India had responded by deploying a powerful naval fleet. A carrier battle group from India’s Western fleet is now stationed just 300 miles from Karachi. “It’s a threat of broader conflict unless Pakistan backs down,” Clarke said.
He warned that the standoff risked escalating into full-scale war. But he also noted that international intervention has eased tensions. The Trump administration, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, pushed both sides towards de-escalation. Clarke credited their pressure for bringing about a ceasefire, although he said the response came “a bit late.”
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that both Pakistan and India agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire.” The agreement followed four days of cross-border airstrikes and skirmishes.
Pakistan’s foreign minister also confirmed the ceasefire would take effect immediately. India’s foreign ministry said it would begin at 5:00 pm Indian Standard Time (11:30 GMT).
The recent conflict flared up on May 7. That day, an Indian cross-border strike killed at least 31 Pakistani civilians. In response, Pakistan downed five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, including three Rafales, and destroyed dozens of surveillance drones.
On Saturday morning, India launched attacks on Pakistani airbases. Pakistan quickly responded with a powerful counter-offensive. Security sources said the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) used hypersonic missiles launched from JF-17 Thunders to destroy India’s S-400 missile system at Adampur airbase.
The S-400, worth about $1.5 billion, is considered India’s most advanced defence shield. Its destruction marks a significant setback for the Indian military.
The situation remains tense, but the ceasefire offers hope for peace. For now, both sides appear to have stepped back from the brink.
