India's aerial assault leaves Pakistan's six airbases in ruins

NEW DELHI: It was Pakistan that requested an emergency ceasefire after realising, by yesterday morning, that it was losing control following India’s counteroffensive. India accurately destroyed six Pakistani airbases and radar stations, which had been used for deploying drones and missiles against India. The operation extended all the way to Pakistan’s military headquarters in Rawalpindi. The Indian Army released footage of the destruction.

On Thursday and Friday nights, Pakistan launched drones across the borders of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. India used its S-400 defence system to intercept and destroy them one by one. However, by yesterday morning, after Pakistan deployed fighter jets and long-range missiles, India shifted to high-alert mode. A Fatah-II missile launched by Pakistan, aimed at Delhi, was intercepted and destroyed in Sirsa, Haryana. Two Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets were shot down by India’s Akash missile system. Subsequently, Pakistan's airbases were targeted and destroyed in coordinated strikes.

The Indian Air Force carried out attacks on several airbases:

1. Nur Khan Chaklala Air Base
Located in Rawalpindi, about 10 km from Islamabad, this is a nerve centre for the Pakistan Air Force, used for military operations and VIP transport. It houses the Saab 2000 air defence system and has facilities for air refuelling and six squadrons for transport missions. The airbase also serves as the parking location for aircraft used by top political and military leaders, and hosts the PAF College, a training institution. It was from here that Pakistan coordinated drone and missile attacks over the past few days.

2. Murid Air Base
Located in Chakwal district, this base launched several drones targeting Indian border areas in recent days. It hosts squadrons equipped with advanced drones like Shahpar-1, Bayraktar TB2, and Akinci, which are used for reconnaissance and to relay intel to armed forces.

3. Rafiqui Air Base, Shorkot
Situated in central Punjab, this base houses squadrons of JF-17 and Mirage fighter jets and helicopters. Named after former PAF officer Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui, this base played a role in recent attacks against India. It facilitates operations across Pakistan's eastern and western military zones.

4. Rahim Yar Khan Air Base
Located near the city of Rahim Yar Khan in southern Punjab, close to the Rajasthan border, this base manages air operations in southern and eastern Pakistan. A major crater was reported in the centre of the runway here, indicating heavy damage. India showcased this footage to the world.

5. Sukkur Air Base / PAF Base Bholari
Recently commissioned in Sindh’s Jamshoro district, between Karachi and Hyderabad. Operated under Southern Air Command, this base houses the 19th Squadron, which flies F-16A/B and F-15 ADF aircraft.

6. Chunian Air Base
A critical facility of the Pakistan Air Force, located near the town of Chunian in Punjab, about 70 km south of Lahore.