The May 2025 conflict with India has brought fresh attention to the nature of modern warfare. A common argument in some circles is that future wars will be decided primarily in the skies, with jets, drones, and precision strikes taking the lead. While air power is undeniably important, this perspective risks overlooking the decisive role of Pakistan’s land forces.
Recent operations demonstrated that air superiority alone cannot secure lasting results. Pakistan’s Army not only maintained territorial integrity but also coordinated closely with the Air Force, turning aerial advantage into tangible operational gains. Modern warfare is multidimensional—air power, intelligence, and cyber operations enhance capabilities, but boots on the ground remain essential for command cohesion, adaptability, and real-time decision-making.
Critics often point to drones, satellites, and cyber warfare as game-changers. While these tools amplify military effectiveness, their success ultimately depends on ground forces to secure areas, stabilize regions, and respond to unexpected developments. The May 2025 operations reinforced that technology and land power are mutually reinforcing rather than mutually exclusive.
Land forces also carry a strategic and symbolic weight. The presence of disciplined troops along borders demonstrates resolve, reassures citizens, and deters adversaries. Air operations can strike targets, but only well-coordinated ground forces can consolidate gains and sustain pressure over time.
At the same time, no force is without limitations. Ground units face logistical challenges, mobility constraints, and vulnerability to aerial strikes. Pakistan addresses these issues through training, modernization, and tight coordination with air and intelligence units, ensuring that its land forces remain capable and adaptable in both conventional and asymmetric scenarios.
The key takeaway is clear: modern warfare is about integration, not replacement. Pakistan’s experience in May 2025 underscores that land forces are the backbone of strategic success. Air power and advanced technology enhance their effectiveness, but they cannot replace the human judgment, resilience, and operational cohesion that only disciplined ground troops provide. In safeguarding sovereignty, land forces are not relics—they are central to Pakistan’s security and strategic resilience.
