‘Muh Tod Jawab’ IAF’s 4.5-Generation Rafales Gear Up As Forces Prepare Response To Pahalgam Terror Attack Amid Pakistan’s Ammo Crisis News24 –

As tensions escalate along the India-Pakistan border and Pakistan faces a severe shortage of ammunition and artillery, India has ramped up its security across land, air, and sea. Indian forces are responding robustly to ceasefire violations, delivering a strong and measured reply. The chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force have met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to brief him on their state of readiness for any potential escalation.

The IAF, on its part, has been undertaking regular combat air patrols (CAPs) amid the heightened tensions with Pakistan, while it has also increased the number of operational readiness platforms (ORPs) at airbases on the western front. An Operational Readiness Platform (ORP) typically consists of two to three fully-armed fighter jets stationed in blast shelters near the runway, ready for immediate take-off at any hour when an alert is triggered.

The key question now is: What will be India’s next move? Could the Indian Air Force’s 4.5-generation Rafale jets- its most advanced multirole fighters- outmatch Pakistan’s F-16 Fighting Falcons in the event of a conflict?

URI And Pulwama Terror Attacks

The terror attacks in Uri (2016) and Pulwama (2019) were followed by surgical strikes inside Pakistan within 11 and 12 days, respectively. Following the recent Pahalgam attack, the strong statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah suggest that a retaliatory strike may be imminent.

People across the country are feeling angry and hurt after the recent attacks. The Indian government understands this strong public emotion and is taking it seriously. However, rather than rushing into action, India is carefully exploring diplomatic options on the international stage before considering direct measures across the border. Prime Minister Modi is fully aware that Pakistan’s intent is to provoke a reaction and derail India’s progress, both diplomatically and economically. Hence, India is responding with caution and strategy, not impulse.

But The Message Is Clear And Loud

The PM’s words sent shockwaves across the region when he declared that India would go to “the ends of the earth” in its pursuit of those responsible for the attack and their backers.

Modi reaffirmed his commitment just days later, promising a response so severe that it would leave no room for doubt about India’s resolve. His strong stance was a clear signal that India was not merely reacting in the moment but preparing for a calculated, robust response to the threat posed by Pakistan-based terror groups.

Soon after the Pahalgam attack, Prime Minister Modi publicly entrusted the military chiefs with the responsibility to decide the mode, time, and place of India’s retaliation. His series of one-on-one meetings with India’s top military leaders has fueled speculations about the government’s next move, causing panic in Pakistan. Last week, there was a marathon of meetings, with the Prime Minister meeting the Army chief on Wednesday, the Navy chief on Saturday, and the Air Force chief on Sunday, following a crucial meeting on Tuesday.

The meetings sparked speculation about what would happen next. While the discussions are private, it’s clear that the government is carefully considering its next steps. Pakistan reportedly panicked when it learned about this. They announced that India would attack within the next 24 to 36 hours, sending shockwaves around the world. This caused a lot of reactions in Pakistan. They mobilised their armed forces, air defences, and naval assets. However, the cost of this military buildup is hurting Pakistan’s already weak economy. It’s unclear how long they can maintain these preparations. They are facing an ammunition shortage, with reports suggesting they can only sustain for a very limited number of days.

India’s delay in launching an attack is giving it an advantage. Every day, Pakistan is losing resources as it keeps its defences on high alert. The delay makes Pakistan nervous and weakens its military, while India stays calm and doesn’t rush into war.

Pakistan is constantly fearful, unsure of when or how India will act. India, on the other hand, is waiting and making sure that when it does act, it will have a strong impact. The tension keeps growing with no clear end in sight.

About Rafale

The Rafale M is a strong fighter jet that can do many different jobs, like controlling the air, hitting targets precisely, attacking ships, and gathering information. It has two engines that help it go really fast, up to Mach 1.8. With extra fuel tanks, it can fly more than 1,850 kilometres. The jet is also armed with powerful weapons, like the ‘Scalp’ missiles that can hit targets over 300 km away, and the Meteor missiles that can take down enemy jets from 120 to 150 km away.