Recent reports confirm that the Indian Air Force (IAF) executed precision strikes against multiple Pakistani airbases. These strikes, which occurred between May 8 and May 10, 2025, have significantly escalated tensions between the two nations. The operation, reportedly dubbed "Operation Sindoor," was a response to Pakistan's alleged aggression along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border, including a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to defense establishment sources, the IAF's coordinated campaign involved striking as many as eleven military airbases across Pakistan. These bases were selected for their strategic importance, encompassing drone warfare command centers, air defense nodes, and aircraft deployment hubs. The targeted locations include Nur Khan (Chaklala), Rafiqui, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Sargodha, Skardu, Bholari, and Jacobabad.
Reports suggest the use of advanced air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs), possibly BrahMos missiles, in the attacks. Open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysts and experts have shared satellite imagery and visuals purportedly showing the damage inflicted on Pakistan's military infrastructure. Specifically, imagery from firms like Kawa Space and MIZARVISION reveal the destruction of hangars, runways, and ground support vehicles at several airbases.
Kawa Space, an Indian space analytics firm, released imagery that confirms a direct hit on a hangar at Pakistan Air Force's Bholari Airbase. The images show debris and structural damage, indicating that the targeted hangar may have served as a quick reaction alert (QRA) facility. Damien Symon, a credible OSINT expert, also highlighted the damage at Bholari airbase.
Additional reports and imagery suggest that Shahbaz Airbase in Jacobabad also sustained a precision strike, impacting a hangar on the main apron. There are indications of potential secondary damage to the air traffic control (ATC) building at the site. Furthermore, Sargodha Airbase was reportedly struck, with Kawa Space sharing updated runway imagery. MIZARVISION, a Chinese satellite firm, has provided evidence confirming that the Nur Khan Airbase was also targeted, with the strike focusing on disabling ground support vehicles and critical infrastructure.
Air Marshal AK Bharti confirmed that the IAF successfully repelled a Pakistani airspace breach following India's "Operation Sindoor" counterterror actions. He stated that India inflicted losses by downing Pakistani planes, with all Indian pilots returning safely. Air Marshal Bharti presented video footage showcasing the impact of India's precision air operations on key Pakistani military installations.
While Pakistan has claimed to have shot down several Indian aircraft, India has not acknowledged any aircraft losses. Despite the intense exchanges, a ceasefire agreement was announced by former US President Donald Trump, taking effect on Saturday. However, reports indicate that the ceasefire has been violated.
