Satellite Imagery Exposes Pakistan’s False Claims of Strikes on Indian Airbases

In the aftermath of India’s strategic Operation Sindoor, Pakistan attempted to reshape the narrative of the cross-border conflict by releasing purported satellite images of damage inflicted on Indian airbases. However, independent analysis and official evidence have thoroughly dismantled these claims, revealing a deliberate attempt at misinformation.

Claims by Pakistan-based social media handles of the damage caused to Indian military infrastructure have been thoroughly debunked. Image:X.com/@detresfa_ | Firstpost

The Adampur Airbase Claim: A Fabricated Strike

One of the most prominently circulated claims by Pakistan was the alleged destruction of a Su‑30MKI fighter and S-400 radar system at the Indian Air Force’s Adampur airbase. Pakistan released images purportedly showing blackened patches near hangars and grounded aircraft, suggesting post-strike destruction.

However, leading open-source intelligence analyst Damien Symon debunked these assertions using high-resolution satellite imagery. His analysis revealed that the visuals were from March 2025, well before the onset of the conflict. The aircraft in question was not a Su‑30MKI but a MiG‑29 undergoing routine maintenance. The dark patches visible in the image were consistent with soot marks from engine tests, not any form of ordnance damage.

Adding weight to Symon’s analysis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Adampur on May 13. Photographs from the visit clearly showed the presence of intact MiG‑29s and operational S‑400 systems, leaving no room for doubt about the authenticity of Pakistan’s claim.

The Bhuj Airbase Allegation: Misreading Routine Operations

Pakistan’s second claim centered around Bhuj airbase, where it alleged a successful strike on another S-400 installation. The satellite photo released to support this narrative depicted a darkened area on the tarmac, supposedly a crater or burn mark from a missile impact.

Once again, Damien Symon scrutinized the image and concluded it was outdated, dating back to February 2025. The dark area identified as missile damage was in fact an oil stain in a vehicle maintenance zone—common at airbases and in no way indicative of a recent strike. No structural damage or debris was visible, further discrediting the claim.

A Pattern of Misinformation and Image Manipulation

These cases appear to be part of a broader campaign of disinformation launched by Pakistan in the wake of its limited military response to India’s Operation Sindoor. Other images circulated by pro-Pakistan accounts online included similar falsehoods, with some visuals appearing to show strikes at Naliya airbase and Srinagar airport.

At Naliya, what was presented as a crater was determined to be a shadow cast by passing clouds, while the imagery of Srinagar airport showed no signs of disruption or structural impact. In some cases, analysts even detected signs of digital manipulation, such as contrast enhancements and artificial shadows intended to mimic damage.

India’s Official Response: Verifiable Transparency

Anticipating the use of misinformation in the digital theatre of modern warfare, India was quick to respond. The Ministry of Defence released time-stamped, high-resolution images of the airbases in question. These official photographs showed no signs of damage and presented clear, unedited evidence of intact infrastructure and aircraft.

This proactive approach by Indian authorities not only deflated Pakistan’s claims but also underscored the credibility gap between both nations' narratives. The move was widely covered by Indian media, including The Times of India, New Indian Express, and NDTV, reinforcing the government’s stance through factual, visual documentation.

Operation Sindoor and the Battle for Narrative Control

India’s Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was a calculated air and missile campaign targeting terror launch pads and military infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was carried out in retaliation for a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam and was marked by precision strikes and minimal collateral damage.

Pakistan’s retaliatory campaign, dubbed "Operation Bunyan al-Marsus," was largely symbolic and failed to inflict any verified damage on Indian military targets. The subsequent dissemination of falsified images appears to have been an effort to salvage public perception and project strength domestically.

Interestingly, independent satellite imagery also confirmed Indian strikes on Pakistani bases such as Nur Khan and Bholari. At least one Pakistani AWACS aircraft was confirmed destroyed, and significant damage was observed on multiple runways. These confirmed strikes stood in sharp contrast to Pakistan’s unfounded claims.

The Role of Satellite Imagery in Modern Conflict

The importance of satellite intelligence has become central in today’s geopolitical conflicts. With the proliferation of commercial satellites and open-source platforms, independent analysts now play a key role in verifying or refuting state-sponsored narratives.

In this instance, timely and expert analysis not only refuted Pakistan’s fabricated visuals but also enhanced India’s credibility. The rapid availability of unaltered satellite images enabled both journalists and the public to distinguish between propaganda and reality with clarity.

Conclusion: Truth Pierces the Fog of Disinformation

Pakistan’s attempt to present false evidence of successful strikes on Indian airbases has been thoroughly debunked through expert analysis and transparent government countermeasures. From outdated images to routine oil stains misrepresented as missile craters, every claim has crumbled under scrutiny.

India, on the other hand, demonstrated the strategic value of preemptive transparency by releasing verifiable evidence and maintaining a fact-based narrative throughout the conflict. The episode not only highlights the role of misinformation in modern warfare but also the indispensable value of satellite imagery in upholding truth amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

(Sources: News18, Firstpost, Money Control)