Extensive Damage Revealed at Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase Following India's Operation Sindoor
- MGMMTeam
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Recent satellite imagery has unveiled that the Indian Air Force's (IAF) precision strikes during Operation Sindoor on May 10, 2025, inflicted more extensive damage on Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi than previously reported. The operation targeted multiple strategic military installations across Pakistan, with Nur Khan Airbase, a critical hub for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), among the primary targets.
Key Findings from Satellite Imagery
Defense analyst Damien Symon, associated with The Intel Lab, analyzed satellite images dated May 23, 2025, revealing that an entire operations complex near the strike site at Nur Khan Airbase was demolished. This complex, approximately 7,000 square feet in size, was situated close to the blast zone where two specialized military trucks were previously identified as destroyed. Symon noted that the proximity likely exposed the complex to significant physical and systemic damage, possibly affecting wiring, internal components, and structural integrity.
Further assessments indicated that the damage extended beyond the initial reports, suggesting a broader footprint of the destruction. The Nur Khan Airbase, located less than 25 kilometers from Islamabad, is a vital hub for Pakistan's drone and VIP air fleet, housing key assets of the Pakistan Air Force.
Impact on Other Pakistani Airbases
The IAF's Operation Sindoor also targeted other strategic airbases in Pakistan. At the Murid Airbase in Chakwal district, satellite imagery revealed structural damage to a Command & Control building, including a partial roof collapse, likely causing internal damage.
Similarly, the Rahim Yar Khan Airbase suffered significant damage, with a massive crater observed on the runway, rendering it non-operational for a week.
The Bholari Airbase, located near Karachi, experienced a missile strike that caused a nearly 80-foot-wide hole in a hangar roof, with debris scattered around the structure. This hangar typically houses a Saab 2000 Airborne Early Warning and Control System aircraft, a critical asset for reconnaissance missions.
Strategic and Political Implications
The extensive damage to Nur Khan Airbase and other military installations has prompted Pakistan to consider relocating its Army General Headquarters (GHQ) from Chaklala in Rawalpindi to Islamabad, citing rising security concerns.
The Indian strikes, reaching up to 100 miles into Pakistani territory, were the most extensive since the 1971 war, aiming to degrade Pakistan’s air capabilities. Notably, key military sites such as the Nur Khan Airbase near Islamabad were hit, raising concerns due to their proximity to Pakistan's nuclear command infrastructure.
The operation has intensified regional tensions and brought renewed attention to the strategic importance of Pakistan's military infrastructure. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging both nations to exercise restraint and engage in diplomatic dialogue to prevent further conflict.
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