Between 8 and 10 May, Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets struck 11 military air bases across Pakistan in a coordinated, precision-led campaign. Sources in the defence establishment confirmed the damage was extensive.
The bases hit included Nur Khan (Chaklala), Rafiqui, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Sargodha, Skardu, Bholari, and Jacobabad. These sites were chosen for their operational importance, including drone warfare command centres, air defence nodes, and aircraft deployment hubs.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, briefing the media, said, “In a swift and calibrated response, Indian Armed Forces carried out precision attacks only on identified military targets. These included technical infrastructure, command and control centres, radar sites and weapon storage areas.” She added, “Pakistan military targets at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian were engaged using air-launched precision weapons from our fighter aircraft. Radar sites at Pasrur and Sialkot aviation base were also targeted using precision munitions. While carrying out these responses, India ensured minimum collateral damage.”
Also Read: India and Pakistan agree to a full and immediate ceasefire, next talks on May 12
Strike on Nur Khan disrupts aerial command
The most significant target was the Nur Khan air base, previously known as PAF Chaklala, located in Rawalpindi. It serves as the nerve centre for Pakistan’s Air Mobility Command and houses its Saab Erieye airborne early warning systems, C-130 transporters, and IL-78 refuelling aircraft.
Indian Air Force officials told NDTV that Nur Khan played a central role in recent cross-border attacks, especially Pakistan’s drone and missile campaigns. Its targeting marks a direct hit to Pakistan’s strategic coordination abilities.
Murid: Drone warfare headquarters
Murid air base, in Chakwal district, was another major target. Known to host key drone operations, it operates various Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), including Turkey-made Bayraktar TB2s and Shahpar-I.
Over the past few days, hundreds of drones were launched from Pakistan—many of them unarmed for surveillance, but others equipped with munitions. Indian air defence systems intercepted a majority of them, particularly the Songar drones which were traced back to 36 launch sites along the western border.
Wing Commander Singh reaffirmed India’s readiness: “Indian armed forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is reciprocated by the Pakistan military.”
Also Read: India-Pakistan ceasefire reactions: From S Jaishankar to Omar Abdullah, who said what
Rafiqui and its role in combat flight training
Located in Jhang district, Rafiqui base is home to advanced Mirage and JF-17 fighter squadrons. It also functions as a flight training facility for missions targeting Punjab and Kashmir.
NDTV reported that Rafiqui likely played a role in launching aerial operations during recent skirmishes. India’s strike here sought to ground those capacities.
Additional bases struck across regions
India also targeted Sukkur and Rahim Yar Khan bases in southern Punjab. The latter, close to the India-Pakistan border near Rajasthan, was rendered inoperable after a missile reportedly created a large crater in its runway.
The Sukkur base, situated in Sindh province near PAF Bholari, supports operations across Sindh and Balochistan. India Today noted its strategic value for any southward mobilisation.
Chunian air base in central Punjab—identified as a frontline operational station—was also hit. According to sources quoted by ThePrint, “the aim of striking these specific locations was not just to disable Pakistan’s air defence locations but also to send a message.”
Additional hits were reported on radar installations in Pasrur and Sialkot, both of which feed into Pakistan’s centralised air defence network.
Also Read: “No shift in stance on terrorism,” says EAM S Jaishankar after India, Pakistan ceasefire starts at 5 PM
Ceasefire declared after escalation
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced on Saturday evening that India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire. His statement came shortly after US President Donald Trump posted an update on social media suggesting that both sides had reached an understanding.
The strikes from India followed an offensive by Pakistan, which had launched missiles and aerial drones at 26 locations across the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) late Friday night.
India’s retaliatory strikes were carried out with precision, targeting only military infrastructure. This offensive is considered a response under " Operation Sindoor," launched after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir that claimed 26 lives.
Strategic intent behind the strikes
Officials within the Indian security establishment indicated that the objective was to disable Pakistan’s aerial strike capabilities while avoiding civilian casualties. By striking drone hubs, air mobility centres, and training airbases, the Indian Air Force aimed to weaken Pakistan’s first-response architecture.
Wing Commander Singh noted, “These were calibrated responses meant to degrade Pakistan’s offensive potential without widening the scope of conflict.”
While both countries have now stepped back from further immediate escalation, the damage to Pakistan’s aerial infrastructure is substantial. The strikes sent a clear signal about India’s capacity and intent to defend its territory.
But the underlying tensions remain. And with both militaries now on high alert, the coming days will reveal whether this ceasefire holds—or if it’s just the calm before another storm.
The bases hit included Nur Khan (Chaklala), Rafiqui, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Sargodha, Skardu, Bholari, and Jacobabad. These sites were chosen for their operational importance, including drone warfare command centres, air defence nodes, and aircraft deployment hubs.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, briefing the media, said, “In a swift and calibrated response, Indian Armed Forces carried out precision attacks only on identified military targets. These included technical infrastructure, command and control centres, radar sites and weapon storage areas.” She added, “Pakistan military targets at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian were engaged using air-launched precision weapons from our fighter aircraft. Radar sites at Pasrur and Sialkot aviation base were also targeted using precision munitions. While carrying out these responses, India ensured minimum collateral damage.”
Also Read: India and Pakistan agree to a full and immediate ceasefire, next talks on May 12
Strike on Nur Khan disrupts aerial command
The most significant target was the Nur Khan air base, previously known as PAF Chaklala, located in Rawalpindi. It serves as the nerve centre for Pakistan’s Air Mobility Command and houses its Saab Erieye airborne early warning systems, C-130 transporters, and IL-78 refuelling aircraft.
Indian Air Force officials told NDTV that Nur Khan played a central role in recent cross-border attacks, especially Pakistan’s drone and missile campaigns. Its targeting marks a direct hit to Pakistan’s strategic coordination abilities.
Murid: Drone warfare headquarters
Murid air base, in Chakwal district, was another major target. Known to host key drone operations, it operates various Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), including Turkey-made Bayraktar TB2s and Shahpar-I.
Over the past few days, hundreds of drones were launched from Pakistan—many of them unarmed for surveillance, but others equipped with munitions. Indian air defence systems intercepted a majority of them, particularly the Songar drones which were traced back to 36 launch sites along the western border.
Wing Commander Singh reaffirmed India’s readiness: “Indian armed forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is reciprocated by the Pakistan military.”
Also Read: India-Pakistan ceasefire reactions: From S Jaishankar to Omar Abdullah, who said what
Rafiqui and its role in combat flight training
Located in Jhang district, Rafiqui base is home to advanced Mirage and JF-17 fighter squadrons. It also functions as a flight training facility for missions targeting Punjab and Kashmir.
NDTV reported that Rafiqui likely played a role in launching aerial operations during recent skirmishes. India’s strike here sought to ground those capacities.
Additional bases struck across regions
India also targeted Sukkur and Rahim Yar Khan bases in southern Punjab. The latter, close to the India-Pakistan border near Rajasthan, was rendered inoperable after a missile reportedly created a large crater in its runway.
The Sukkur base, situated in Sindh province near PAF Bholari, supports operations across Sindh and Balochistan. India Today noted its strategic value for any southward mobilisation.
Chunian air base in central Punjab—identified as a frontline operational station—was also hit. According to sources quoted by ThePrint, “the aim of striking these specific locations was not just to disable Pakistan’s air defence locations but also to send a message.”
Additional hits were reported on radar installations in Pasrur and Sialkot, both of which feed into Pakistan’s centralised air defence network.
Also Read: “No shift in stance on terrorism,” says EAM S Jaishankar after India, Pakistan ceasefire starts at 5 PM
Ceasefire declared after escalation
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced on Saturday evening that India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire. His statement came shortly after US President Donald Trump posted an update on social media suggesting that both sides had reached an understanding.
The strikes from India followed an offensive by Pakistan, which had launched missiles and aerial drones at 26 locations across the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) late Friday night.
India’s retaliatory strikes were carried out with precision, targeting only military infrastructure. This offensive is considered a response under " Operation Sindoor," launched after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir that claimed 26 lives.
Strategic intent behind the strikes
Officials within the Indian security establishment indicated that the objective was to disable Pakistan’s aerial strike capabilities while avoiding civilian casualties. By striking drone hubs, air mobility centres, and training airbases, the Indian Air Force aimed to weaken Pakistan’s first-response architecture.
Wing Commander Singh noted, “These were calibrated responses meant to degrade Pakistan’s offensive potential without widening the scope of conflict.”
While both countries have now stepped back from further immediate escalation, the damage to Pakistan’s aerial infrastructure is substantial. The strikes sent a clear signal about India’s capacity and intent to defend its territory.
But the underlying tensions remain. And with both militaries now on high alert, the coming days will reveal whether this ceasefire holds—or if it’s just the calm before another storm.
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