India’s Precision Strikes on Pakistani Airbases: A Turning Point in South Asian Tensions
In an unprecedented escalation in South Asian military dynamics, Indian Air Force jets executed surgical precision strikes on multiple Pakistani airbases, including the highly strategic Nur Khan Airbase located in Rawalpindi—Pakistan’s military nerve centre.
The Attack That Shook Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi, home to Pakistan’s military headquarters, was rocked as Indian fighter jets targeted the Nur Khan Airbase. The strike was not only a tactical success but also a psychological jolt, challenging Pakistan’s most fortified zones. Videos circulating online show massive fires and destruction at the site, with satellite imagery and visuals indicating significant damage to key infrastructure including a C-130 transport aircraft, a symbol of Pakistan’s aerial logistics strength.
Three Major Airbases Targeted
India’s operation wasn’t limited to just one location. Alongside Nur Khan Airbase, the Mureed and Rafiqui airbases were also reportedly hit. All three are located deep inside Pakistani territory—Nur Khan at approximately 150 km, Mureed at 160–230 km, and Rafiqui at 270 km from the Indian border. This indicates Indian jets penetrated deep into Pakistani airspace, highlighting a breach of air defence that Pakistan could neither detect nor intercept in time.
Pakistan’s Acknowledgement and Response
In an unusual move, Pakistan’s military spokesperson (DG ISPR) admitted the incursion. The statement confirmed air-to-ground missile attacks on multiple bases, yet claimed that their “assets remain safe”—a claim contradicted by visuals of burning hangars and destroyed aircraft.
Despite the admission, the Pakistani establishment attempted to manage domestic perception through a barrage of propaganda, denying major losses and asserting that their Chinese-made HQ-9 air defence system is capable of countering even hypersonic weapons—a claim widely ridiculed by defence analysts globally.
Operation Sindoor vs Operation Bunyān-ul-Marsūs
India has dubbed this mission “Operation Sindoor”, while Pakistan, in retaliation, launched its own operation titled Bunyān-ul-Marsūs—translated as “a solid structure that cannot be penetrated.” Ironically, this naming was mocked heavily online as Indian strikes had just shattered the very foundation of Pakistan’s air defence.
Pakistan’s attempt at retaliation included launching a Fateh-2 missile towards Delhi, which was intercepted mid-air by India’s advanced missile defence systems, possibly the jointly developed Israeli-Indian Barak-8 system. The missile exploded over Sirsa, Haryana, without causing casualties.
Drone Attacks and Escalating Skirmishes
Unable to respond through conventional warfare, Pakistan has resorted to drone-based provocations, targeting civilian areas in Punjab and Jammu. Incidents have been reported in Firozpur and other border towns where unarmed civilians were injured—signalling a shift in tactics from direct military confrontation to asymmetric warfare.
Propaganda, Denials, and International Pressure
Pakistan’s government and military have repeatedly attempted to distort facts, suggesting that Indian missiles were heading towards Amritsar or even Afghanistan—claims dismissed by both international observers and regional stakeholders.
Furthermore, pressure is mounting on Pakistan from global powers, including G7 nations, to de-escalate the situation. Internally, Pakistan’s leadership, especially Army Chief Asim Munir, is struggling to project strength in the face of mounting losses and public dissatisfaction.
Future Developments and What to Expect
Reports also suggest that Pakistani fighter jets were shot down near Srinagar, and there may have been pilot captures—though full confirmation is awaited from Indian authorities at the scheduled 10:00 AM briefing. If verified, this would mark a major military and diplomatic victory for India.
India’s military preparedness, particularly the layered missile defence systems including Akash and S-400, has proven highly effective. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese defence systems appears to have significantly backfired, prompting many in the region to question their reliability.
As the situation continues to evolve, it’s clear that India has asserted its aerial dominance in a high-stakes theatre, reshaping regional military dynamics. The coming hours and days may reveal more about the scale of damage inflicted, but one thing is certain—Pakistan’s illusion of aerial invulnerability has been decisively shattered.