In a recent development, Pakistan has deployed fighter jets in airstrikes against alleged Pakistani Taliban hideouts in Afghanistan. The attack comes as a retaliatory measure after seven Pakistani soldiers were killed in a suicide bomb attack just days prior. This marks the second instance in 2024 where Pakistan has targeted groups in neighboring countries.

The Pakistani jets were reportedly used to strike multiple positions that Islamabad claims belonged to the Pakistani Taliban. While the extent of the incursion into Afghan airspace remains unclear, the use of fighter jets sets Pakistan apart from Iran, which typically relies on ballistic missiles and drones for cross-border attacks on non-state actors.

Iran, in contrast, has its own air force and substantial ground-based air defenses, making an air raid utilizing fighter jets within its airspace far riskier than in Afghanistan. However, it is worth noting that Iran had previously also utilized fighter jets in the early 1990s to target militant opposition camps in Iraq. Over time, Iran shifted its focus to bolstering its ballistic missile capabilities as a means of deterrence.

Pakistan's military sources have claimed that their aircraft and drones flew up to 12 miles inside Iranian airspace during strikes, which were carried out in response to missile and drone attacks conducted by Iran in January. The attack by Iran on alleged militant camps within Pakistani territory prompted a forceful response from Islamabad, utilizing a range of drones, rockets, and standoff weaponry against seven supposed militant targets in Iranian territory.

While Iran has historically favored investing in its ballistic missile arsenal, relying on its long-range strike capability, Pakistan has shown a commitment to maintaining a more modern air force. Pakistan has recently acquired advanced fighters from China, such as the Chengdu J-10C and the latest version of the JF-17 Thunder, featuring active electronically scanned array radars.

Furthermore, Pakistan's air force claims to have plans for expansion and enhancement, with recent reports suggesting its interest in acquiring the fifth-generation Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon, currently being developed by China. The Pakistani Air Force has also expressed its possession of a hypersonic-capable missile, potentially fired from the JF-17 fighter.

It remains to be seen how the situation in the region will unfold, as Pakistan strengthens its air force capabilities, while Iran continues to rely on its indigenous ballistic missile arsenal. The recent airstrikes carried out by Pakistan highlight the country's determination to maintain a powerful air force presence, in contrast to Iran's preference for missiles.

The Afghan Taliban, affected by Pakistan's airstrikes, has responded by firing at the border. It is uncertain how the Taliban intends to address their vulnerability to airstrikes, as building air defenses would require access to necessary equipment.

As the situation continues to develop, neighboring countries and regional power players such as the United States, Israel, and Saudi Arabia will closely monitor the shifting dynamics between Pakistan's fighter jets and Iran's ballistic missile capabilities.

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