Recent events have placed India and Pakistan under the international spotlight following a series of escalating military actions. Among the key developments is the reported strike by Indian forces on Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase, an event that has significantly heightened tensions between the two nations.
Located in Chaklala, Rawalpindi, approximately 10km from Islamabad, Nur Khan Airbase is a vital installation for the Pakistan Air Force, serving as the hub for the nation's main transport squadrons and handling critical logistical and strategic airlift operations. The base accommodates a variety of aircraft, including C-130 Hercules, Saab 2000, and IL-78 mid-air refuelers, alongside planes used for VIP transport.
The Indian strikes, which reportedly occurred on May 10, 2025, targeted multiple Pakistan airbases, including those in Rafiqui, Murid, Chunian, and Sukkur, in addition to Nur Khan. Pakistan's Army spokesperson, Lt General Ahmed Sharif, confirmed that missiles struck the Nur Khan base in Rawalpindi, as well as the Murid base in Chakwal and the Rafiqui base in the Jhang district of Punjab province.
Satellite imagery, released by Chinese firm MIZAZVISION, has revealed the extent of the damage at Nur Khan Airbase following the Indian strikes. The imagery shows targeted destruction of critical infrastructure and ground support vehicles, indicating a precision airstrike aimed at crippling the airbase's operational capabilities. At least two trucks, likely military support vehicles, were destroyed in the attack. The precision of the strikes suggests a deliberate effort to maximize disruption while minimizing collateral damage, as surrounding structures, including aircraft on the tarmac, remained largely unaffected.
In a joint press briefing on Operation Sindoor, Air Marshal AK Bharti addressed the dismantling of Pakistan's air defense systems. He stated that a decision was made to "strike where it would hurt," leading to a swift, coordinated, and calibrated assault on key Pakistani military infrastructure. The targets included airbases at Chaklala (Islamabad), Rafiqui, and Rahim Yar Khan, followed by strikes on Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad. These strikes were meant to send a clear message that "aggression will not be tolerated".
Air Marshal Bharti also confirmed that the Indian Air Force thwarted an attempted breach of Indian airspace by Pakistani fighter jets following India's cross-border counterterror strikes under Operation Sindoor. Furthermore, he detailed Pakistan's attempts to target Indian cities with drones, UAVs, and UCAVs, which were effectively neutralized by Indian air defense systems.
The Indian Armed Forces also reported the successful destruction of three key air defense radar systems in Pakistan: the Pasrur, Chunain, and Arifwala Air Defence Radars. These radar systems were critical for Pakistan's surveillance and early warning capabilities, and their destruction has significantly impacted Pakistan's air defense infrastructure.
Following these events, tensions between India and Pakistan reached a critical point, prompting intervention from the United States to de-escalate the situation. US President Donald Trump announced that both nations had agreed to an immediate and full ceasefire. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the ceasefire talks were held directly between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan.
