Following a period of heightened tensions and cross-border exchanges, India executed precision strikes on several Pakistan Air Force (PAF) bases. This action, reportedly code-named "Operation Sindoor," came in response to a series of escalating events, including a terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir and alleged airspace violations by Pakistan using drones and heavy artillery.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) strikes targeted key military infrastructure, command and control centers, radar sites, and weapon storage areas. Among the airbases hit were Nur Khan (Chaklala), Rafiqui, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Sargodha, Skardu, Bholari, and Jacobabad. These bases were selected for their strategic importance in Pakistan's air operations, including drone warfare command centers, air defense nodes, and aircraft deployment hubs.
Several factors likely influenced India's choice of targets. Firstly, the targeted bases play critical roles in Pakistan's air defense network. Nur Khan Airbase, for example, is a vital logistical and strategic airlift center, housing transport aircraft and mid-air refuelers. Rafiqui Airbase hosts fighter squadrons and is considered a Mirage III hub. Murid Airbase serves as a forward-operating base crucial for air defense and combat readiness, also accommodating fighter jets and UAV operations.
Secondly, the selection of these targets suggests an intent to degrade Pakistan's capacity for drone operations. In the lead-up to the strikes, India accused Pakistan of using drones to target both military and civilian areas. By targeting bases like Murid, known for housing a fleet of fighter jets and drones, India aimed to diminish Pakistan's ability to conduct such operations.
Thirdly, the strikes reflect a strategy of calculated escalation. By targeting military assets, India aimed to send a strong message to Pakistan that its support for cross-border terrorism and provocations would not go unpunished. This approach marks a shift from a policy of strategic restraint to one of actively manipulating risk through escalation.
Reports indicate that the IAF employed "air-launched precision weapons" in the strikes. While specific details about the munitions used remain unconfirmed, the focus on precision suggests the use of advanced technology to minimize collateral damage and maximize the impact on military targets. There were also claims that India used Israeli-made drones in the strikes.
Following the Indian strikes, Pakistan launched a retaliatory operation, codenamed "Operation Bunyan Marsoos," targeting Indian military bases. However, a ceasefire has since been agreed upon, with both sides reiterating their commitment to non-escalation.
The strikes and subsequent ceasefire highlight the delicate balance of power and the ever-present risk of escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The strategic selection of targets reflects India's intent to degrade Pakistan's military capabilities, particularly its capacity for drone operations, and to signal a shift towards a more assertive approach in responding to perceived provocations.
