By: Abdul Wassay
India’s accelerating induction and expansion of long-range air-to-surface missiles (LR-ASM) into its conventional stockpile marks a shift in its military doctrine after the May 2025 war with Pakistan. While Indian officials frame this build-up to strengthen deterrence, the pattern raises deeper concerns. By favouring LR-ASMs, India is preparing for deep strikes without risking aircrew. This doctrinal shift may disrupt the already fragile escalation ladder in South Asia and dangerously blur the lines between conventional and nuclear thresholds. LR-ASM missiles could reshape crisis dynamics and deterrence stability between India and Pakistan.
