How India's Nur Khan Airbase Strike Dealt A Blow To Pakistan & China
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"The Nur Khan airbase attack exposed gaps in Pakistan's air defence systems. The airbase relied on Chinese radar systems, thus affecting their credibility too," say intel source
By striking the Nur Khan airbase on May 10, India not just retaliated against Pakistan's unprovoked escalation, but also dealt a blow to their image as a military power, said top intelligence sources.
Within 90 minutes, India pounded Nur Khan airbase, Rafiqui airbase in Shorkot, Murid airbase in Punjab, Sukkur airbase in Sindh, Sialkot airbase, Sargodha airbase, Skardu airbase, Bholari airbase near Karachi, Jacobabad airbase, and Pasrur airstrip.
The Nur Khan base is closest to Islamabad and often used for VIP transport and military logistics. Its neutralisation severed critical links between the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) leadership and its operational units during the conflict, sources say.
'It symbolised the military's operational synergy. The airbase served as the headquarter of Pakistan's Air Mobility Command. Striking it exposed the vulnerabilities in the heart of Pakistan's defence establishment. The inability to defend such a high-value target exposed gaps in Pakistan's air defence systems," said sources.
'The airbase relied on Chinese radar systems such as HQ-9. So the attack highlighted their inefficacy against Indian S-400 missiles. It also undermined China's credibility as a defence partner," said sources.
WHY NUR KHAN MATTERS: SOURCES EXPLAIN
It houses critical assets such as Saab Erieye airborne early warning systems, C-130 transporters and IL-78 refueling aircraft. These systems are vital for surveillance, logistics, and aerial coordination, especially in cross-border operations.
The base was central to Pakistan's drone warfare campaigns.
It was used for the launch of Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 and indigenous Shahpar-I drones targeting India.
ALSO READ | How The 100-Hour Fight Displayed India's Massive Strength, Pakistan's Weaknesses | Exclusive
By attacking it, India disrupted Pakistan's ability to conduct asymmetric attacks.
It is in Rawalpindi and next to Pakistan's army headquarters.
It was key to training elite pilots and hosting VIP fleets such as presidential aircraft.
The airbase was key in coordinating cross-border terrorism such as drone strikes post Pahalgam attack and highlighted Pakistan's use of state-sponsored proxies.
'The damage undermined Pakistan's self-image as a peer military power. Viral footage of burning infrastructure and intercepted missiles negated Pakistan's claims of neutralising attacks. This is nothing but a credibility crisis for Pakistan's army narrative," said sources.
'Even Pakistan's citizens mocked their army claims of interception, sharing memes and videos contrasting official statements with visible damage. This domestic backlash intensified the humiliation."
First Published:
May 11, 2025, 19:38 IST
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