Just hours before Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, US Vice President JD Vance called PM Modi with a critical warning: a large-scale strike was coming. India was already on high alert after launching Operation Sindoor two days earlier in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. But this intel gave India the upper hand; time to activate defences, secure assets, and plan a devastating counterstrike. Indian S-400s and Akash systems intercepted drones and missiles, while retaliatory strikes hit Nur Khan, Murid, and Rafiqui air bases. Satellite images later confirmed the extent of the damage. What’s often missed? This wasn’t a last-minute save; it was the culmination of layered strategy: pre-emptive action, real-time intelligence, and surgical retaliation. The US warning was vital, but not the sole reason for India’s success. It was the final trigger in a well-oiled machine. For aspirants: this shows how modern warfare isn’t just about firepower; it’s about intelligence, speed, and command structure. Study the timeline. Understand the chain of decision. Because in defence exams, context is king.