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Indian Express
13-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Operation Sindoor: All about Pakistan Air Force assets that India hit
PAF Base Nur Khan, Rawalpindi Home to the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF's) Air Mobility Command and the PAF College Chaklala, this is one of Pakistan's most vital air bases, which plays a key role in logistics, VIP transport, strategic operations, and aviator training. The base houses PAF transport aircraft such as Lockheed C-130 Hercules, Ilyushin Il-78 refuellers, and trainers such as Karakoram-8. With the Pakistan Army's General Headquarters and the Strategic Plans Division — the operational arm of the country's nuclear command — in the vicinity, the base lies at the heart of the Pakistani military establishment. PAF Base Chaklala was renamed PAF Base Nur Khan in 2012, in honour of Air Marshal Nur Khan, the base's first Pakistani commander in 1947 who went on to lead the Pakistan Air Force from 1965 to 1969. PAF Base Murid, Chakwal The Murid base is the home base of Pakistan's growing fleet of combat drones, and one of the PAF's most important forward operational flying bases today. Its more than eight hangars house unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as the indigenously developed GIDS Shahpar and NESCOM Burraq, the Chinese Chengdu Wing Loong II, and the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 and PAF Base Sukkur, Sukkur This is another forward operational base of the PAF which doubles as the Begum Nusrat Bhutto International Airport Sukkur, the second major civilian airport operational in Sindh after Karachi's Jinnah International Airport. Originally built as a military aerodrome during World War II, the Sukkur base operates under PAF's Southern Air Command PAF Base Rahim Yar Khan, Rahim Yar Khan The Rahim Yar Khan base is a forward operational base of the PAF's Central Command. Its sole runway is also used by the Sheikh Zayed International Airport, named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first President of the UAE, who funded the construction of the airport's terminal. Day-to-day operations at the airport are handled by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). After India's strike at the air base, which has left a massive crater on its runway, all flight operations have been suspended for a week. PAF Base Mushaf, Sargodha Considered to be the most vital strategic asset of the PAF, the Sargodha base is home to Pakistan's best fighter aircraft and pilots, as well as the headquarters of the Central Air Command, the Combat Commanders' School, and the Airpower Centre of Excellence. Aircraft such as the American F-16 Fighting Falcon, Chinese Chengdu J-7, French Mirage 5, and the JF-17 Thunder, the mainstay of PAF's fighter fleet developed jointly with China, are stationed at the base. The Sargodha base was a prime target of Indian air attacks during the 1965 war, during which India destroyed 10 Pakistani aircraft at the base. After this, the PAF reserved much of its fighter fleet to protect Sargodha rather than sending them to the front. The base was renamed in 2003 in honour of Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir who had died in an aircraft crash earlier that year. PAF Base Shahbaz, Jacobabad Heavily used by NATO forces during Operation Enduring Freedom, the official moniker of the US-led Global War on Terrorism, the Jacobabad base is home to some of PAF's most advanced aircraft and equipment. These include the latest JF-17 Block II, multiple variants of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the Italian Leonardo AW139 helicopters of the 88 Search and Rescue Squadron. According to local media reports, the base also houses private contractors who work on the American F-16s. PAF Base Rafiqui, Shorkot Located 337 km to the south of Islamabad, this base is a vital asset of PAF's Northern Air Command. It is home to squadrons of JF-17, Mirage 5, and the French utility helicopter Alouette III. The base is named in honour of Sq Ldr Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui, one of Pakistan's most decorated fighter pilots, famous for his exploits during the war of 1965. PAF Base Bholari, Jamshoro Inaugurated as recently as December 2017, this is one of Pakistan's most modern main operational bases. It is home to squadrons of both the JF-17 Thunder and F-16 Fighting Falcon, as well as Saab 2000 AEWACs (airborne early warning and control aircraft) aircraft fitted with the Erieye radar system. In 2020, the base hosted Exercise Shaheen IX, a major joint Pakistani-Chinese aerial exercise Radar sites and air defence units India also struck at least three radar sites in Pakistan's Punjab province, close to the border with the Indian state of Punjab and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, as well as two air defence units — one in Lahore and the other in Malir Cantonment, Karachi. These were all likely a part of Pakistan's larger air defence system.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Operation Sindoor: India's missile strikes in Pakistan level Nur Khan airbase, leaves huge crater in Rahim Yar Khan Airbase
NEW DELHI: India's armed forces delivered a major blow to Pakistan's military infrastructure with the destruction of Nur Khan Airbase , a central hub of Pakistan's air power, in precision strikes carried out under Operation Sindoor . The announcement came during a joint press briefing on Monday, where top defence officials, including Air Marshal AK Bharti, presented visual evidence of the extensive damage. Formerly known as PAF Chaklala, Nur Khan Airbase is located in Rawalpindi and serves as the nerve centre of Pakistan's Air Mobility Command. The base is home to high-value aerial assets, including Saab Erieye airborne early warning systems, C-130 transport aircraft, and IL-78 aerial refuelling tankers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like We earn ₹7000 a month—we can't save him alone Donate For Health Learn More Undo The strike on this installation marks a severe strategic setback for Pakistan's air force. Air Marshal Bharti, while showcasing visuals of the destroyed base, said, "We have targeted the length and breadth of the adversary." He also shared footage from another significant strike site, Pakistan's Rahim Yar Khan Airbase , which bore a massive crater from the IAF's assault. Air Marshal praised the performance of India's defence systems, particularly the indigenous Akash air defence system , saying, "our battle-proven systems stood the test of time and take them head on. Another highlight has been the stellar performance of the indigenous air defence system, the Akash system. Putting together and operationalising the potent AD environment has been possible only because of budgetary and policy support from the government of India in the last decade." Commenting on Pakistan's actions, Bharti said, "It is a pity that the Pakistani military chose to intervene on behalf of terrorists, and hence we chose to respond." He assured that all Indian military installations remain fully operational and on alert for any future missions. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in direct response to the Pakistan-backed terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 civilians. The Indian armed forces carried out coordinated strikes on nine high-value terror launchpads across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan responded in the days following with a barrage of drones and missiles, all of which were intercepted and destroyed by Indian air defence systems.
News18
11-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
How India's Nur Khan Airbase Strike Dealt A Blow To Pakistan & China
Last Updated: "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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First Post
10-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Did India's strike on 6 Pakistan airbases lead to ceasefire talks?
After four days of escalation, India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire. This comes after India struck six Pakistani air bases – Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian – early Saturday. The 'precision attacks' came after the Pakistani military launched strikes at over 20 locations along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC), as well as air bases in Punjab read more India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed on Saturday (May 10) evening after United States President Donald Trump's announcement on social media. This comes after the Indian Armed Forces carried out 'precision attacks' on several of Pakistan's military targets early today. This was in response to Islamabad launching attacks at 26 locations along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) last night. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan also fired missiles at several air bases in Punjab last night, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said in a press briefing today. '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 said. The targeted Pakistani military sites included Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian. Singh said India ensured 'minimum collateral damage' while retaliating against Pakistan's offensive. But why were these sites chosen? What's their significance? We will answer. Nur Khan air base, Chaklala India targeted the Nur Khan air base in the garrison city of Rawalpindi's Chaklala. The air base houses Pakistan's Saab Erieye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) fleet. The C-130s and IL-78 aircraft are also stationed there, as per ThePrint report. The Nur Khan air base is reportedly the headquarters of Pakistan's Air Mobility Command. It is crucial for strategic operations and VIP transport. The air base has played a key role in Pakistan's cross-border drone and missile attacks in the last 72 hours, officials in the Indian Air Force (IAF) told NDTV. Several of Pakistan's prominent squadrons are based here. The hitting of the Nur Khan air base is a big jolt for the neighbouring country. Commuters drive through a street in the cantonment area near Nur Khan air base after Indian strikes, in Rawalpindi, on May 10, 2025. AFP Murid air base India chose the PAF Murid base likely because it became the hub for Pakistan's drone operations against India since May 7, when the Indian Armed Forces carried out the missile strikes on nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Located in Chakwal city of Pakistan's Punjab, it reportedly hosts several PAF squadrons operating UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle). Pakistan has sent hundreds of drones towards the Indian border areas in the past few days. India has intercepted these and found that nearly 400 were Turkey-made Songar drones that Pakistan dispatched at 36 locations in India across the western border — from Leh to Sir Creek. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By targeting this air base, India has hit at the heart of Pakistan's drone warfare against it. Rafiqui air bases Rafiqui air base, earlier known as PAF Base Shorkot, in the Jhang district of eastern Punjab in Pakistan, houses advanced fighter jets like Mirage and JF-17. Pakistan could have launched its recent attacks against India from the Rafiqui air base, which acts as a training centre for missions in Punjab and Kashmir, reported NDTV. Rahim Yar Khan Rahim Yar Khan air base is at a strategically important location in southern Punjab of Pakistan. The forward operating base is close to the border with Rajasthan. Its location helps in swift deployment and operations across southern and eastern Pakistan, noted India Today. Sources told ThePrint that an Indian missile left a huge crater in the middle of the runway at the Rahim Yar Khan military base. Sukkur air base Located in Sindh, the Sukkur air base is close to the PAF Base Bholari. Its location is reportedly useful for operations in southern Pakistan and parts of the Sindh and Balochistan regions. Chunian air base Situated near the town of Chunian in Punjab, Chunian air base is one of the Pakistan Air Force's primary operational bases. Sources told ThePrint that the aim of striking these specific locations was not just to disable Pakistan's air defence locations but also to send a message. With inputs from agencies
South China Morning Post
04-03-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
What are Beijing's plans for Taiwan after Ukraine shock? ‘Two sessions' may offer clues
As China's political elite gather for the country's annual legislative sessions this week, we examine the broader forces likely to influence policies and decision-making for the coming year. The fourth part of the series looks at Taiwan. Advertisement Military action by Beijing to reunite Taiwan has long prompted forecasts about the timing of such a full-scale operation . For some – the answer is 2025. A much-cited prediction is an internal US military memo from two years ago, sent by a four-star US Air Force general to the officers under his command. 'I hope I am wrong. My gut tells me we will fight in 2025,' General Mike Minihan, head of Air Mobility Command, wrote in January 2023. With leadership elections due in both Taiwan and the US in 2024, Washington would be 'distracted', giving Beijing an opening to make a move, Minihan said. Advertisement However, the year's biggest geopolitical surprise so far has been on the Ukrainian front, with President Volodymyr Zelensky being told by an angry US President Donald Trump that Kyiv had to accept a deal with Moscow or be abandoned by the United States.
