Decoys, loitering drones, then BrahMos: Thai Air Force praises IAF's three-step Operation Sindoor tactic against Pakistan
Dummy aircraft and loitering munitions used to bypass air defences
India's long-range missile strike sets new global benchmark
Su-30MKI jets targeted airbases and radar systems
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Minimal IAF losses despite heavy engagement
Operation Sindoor marked a new phase in India-Pakistan military dynamics
Ceasefire followed four days of conflict
A benchmark for future air warfare in Asia
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Earlier this month, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) hosted a regional conference to analyse the India-Pakistan air conflict that occurred in May 2025. Air Marshal Sommai Leelitham, Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Intelligence), said that India's ability to strike multiple Pakistani Air Force (PAF) bases without suffering any losses highlighted serious weaknesses in Pakistan's air defence systems. He also said that the Indian Air Force ( IAF ) had adopted a new and confident tactical approach during the operation.At the conference, Air Marshal Leelitham said India's air strikes showed operational readiness and a shift in air warfare thinking. 'India's execution of the strikes demonstrated both operational confidence and evolving doctrine,' he said. Since then, the conflict has become a case study for several Asian militaries reviewing the future of air operations.A Royal Thai Air Force report presented at the event explained how the IAF carried out a three-step operation. It began with the use of dummy aircraft to trigger Pakistan's radar and air defence response. After identifying key sites, India used loitering munitions to destroy them. This was followed by the main attack, in which IAF aircraft launched BrahMos and Scalp missiles. The strike platforms included Dassault Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Su-30MKI jets. The IAF also used radar-evading routes and indigenous anti-radiation missiles.The RTAF report noted that the campaign represented a shift in India's military posture. It moved from limited cross-border actions to long-range precision strikes. One example mentioned in the report was the use of India's S-400 air defence system to shoot down a Pakistan Air Force Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C aircraft from a range of 314 km. This was described as the first intercept of its kind at that distance.The brief air conflict escalated quickly, with both countries launching missile and air attacks. On May 8 and 9, Indian Su-30MKI jets carried out deep-strike missions targeting key installations in and around Lahore. BrahMos missiles were used to hit radar stations, airbases, and command centres. Indian officials later released satellite images claiming significant damage to Pakistani military assets.Pakistan claimed to have downed Indian aircraft, but India continued to fly sorties with few losses. The IAF reportedly changed its approach after initial engagements and focused on disabling Pakistan's ability to respond. Thai officials said this demonstrated improved Indian planning and better use of air assets.The operation, named Sindoor, marked the first time since 1971 that India conducted air strikes across the international border. It involved Rafale fighters, BrahMos cruise missiles, and Israeli-made loitering weapons. Indian authorities said the goal was to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and send a strategic signal to Pakistan.The fighting ended on May 10 after a ceasefire was requested by Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations in a call to his Indian counterpart. International observers said India's campaign had placed heavy pressure on Pakistan's air defences and highlighted India's improved air strike capabilities.The Royal Thai Air Force's acknowledgment of India's campaign marks a broader recognition of its impact across Asia. The May 2025 conflict, particularly Operation Sindoor, is now seen as a turning point in the evolution of South Asian air power.
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