Operation Sindoor: India’s missile strikes in Pakistan level Nur Khan airbase, leaves huge crater in Rahim Yar Khan Airbase | India News – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: India’s armed forces delivered a major blow to Pakistan’s military infrastructure with the destruction of Nur Khan Airbase, a central hub of Pakistan’s air power, in precision strikes carried out under Operation Sindoor. The announcement came during a joint press briefing on Monday, where top defence officials, including Air Marshal AK Bharti, presented visual evidence of the extensive damage.Formerly known as PAF Chaklala, Nur Khan Airbase is located in Rawalpindi and serves as the nerve centre of Pakistan’s Air Mobility Command. The base is home to high-value aerial assets, including Saab Erieye airborne early warning systems, C-130 transport aircraft, and IL-78 aerial refuelling tankers.The strike on this installation marks a severe strategic setback for Pakistan’s air force.Air Marshal Bharti, while showcasing visuals of the destroyed base, said, “We have targeted the length and breadth of the adversary.” He also shared footage from another significant strike site, Pakistan’s Rahim Yar Khan Airbase, which bore a massive crater from the IAF’s assault.Air Marshal praised the performance of India’s defence systems, particularly the indigenous Akash air defence system, saying, “our battle-proven systems stood the test of time and take them head on. Another highlight has been the stellar performance of the indigenous air defence system, the Akash system. Putting together and operationalising the potent AD environment has been possible only because of budgetary and policy support from the government of India in the last decade.”Commenting on Pakistan’s actions, Bharti said, “It is a pity that the Pakistani military chose to intervene on behalf of terrorists, and hence we chose to respond.” He assured that all Indian military installations remain fully operational and on alert for any future missions.Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in direct response to the Pakistan-backed terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 civilians. The Indian armed forces carried out coordinated strikes on nine high-value terror launchpads across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.Pakistan responded in the days following with a barrage of drones and missiles, all of which were intercepted and destroyed by Indian air defence systems.