Operation Sindoor Cripples Pakistan’s Air Force Capabilities — How Bad Was the Damage?

India responded with Operation Sindoor to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack that took the lives of 26 civilians. In a swift response, the Indian Air Force (IAF) attacked and damaged atleast 8 important Pakistani Air Force (PAF) bases in Sindh, Punjab, and other areas. These attacks also destroyed radar stations, runways, and drone bases—inflicting a strategic loss on Pakistan’s air warfare capabilities.

The strike was India’s most powerful military retaliation in years and demonstrated its ability to carry out synchronized, high-accuracy attacks on foreign territory.

Airbases Targeted Throughout Pakistan

Indian aircraft attacked Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi—one of Pakistan’s most important military bases. The base is home to the PAF Air Mobility Command and is close to Pakistan’s General Headquarters and nuclear command branch. The Indian Air Force targeted Sukkur base, under the Southern Command, and Rahim Yar Khan base, which aids civilian and military operations. It destroyed the entire Rahim Yar Khan runway, halting all flight operations.

Other major bases struck are Mushaf in Sargodha, where there are F-16s, Mirages, JF-17 Thunders, and special squadrons. Shahbaz Jacobabad base, previously employed by NATO troops, also suffered destruction. It contains JF-17 Block II fighter jets, F-16s, and AW139 rescue choppers.

New and Strategic Bases Damaged

IAF aircraft also targeted Bholari airbase, Pakistan’s latest facility to be opened in 2017. It suffered damage in the attack, targeting F-16s and Saab 2000 AEW&C surveillance aircraft. Rafiqui base, dedicated to a war hero from 1965, also sustained damage. Mirage 5 jets and JF-17s are based out of it.

Murid base was hit hard. It is Pakistan’s prime drone operations centre. It hosts Shahpar, Burraq, Wing Loong II, and Bayraktar TB2 drones. India presumably wanted to curb Pakistan’s UAV capability.

Radar and Defence Installations Hit

IAF did not rest at airfields. It struck radar and air defence installations at Pasrur, Sialkot, Chunian, and Lahore. They were destroyed with air-launched precision weapons. These radar installations offer early warning and tracking assistance to PAF operations.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh called the attack “swift and calibrated.” India targeted only military targets—command centers, radar installations, and weapon stores—leaving civilians out of it. Singh further commented, “These were calibrated responses intended to degrade Pakistan’s offensive capability without expanding the scope of conflict.”

Ceasefire Accepted, But Warnings Remain

India has accepted a ceasefire following a hotline call by Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations to India. However, Delhi asserted that further provocation would evoke a forceful and more definitive response.

India’s Operation Sindoor is a keen reminder to Pakistan. With important bases incapacitated, radar vision dazed, and drone hubs smashed, the operational preparedness of the PAF now has a serious hurdle. India’s measures indicate a hardline policy: cross-border terror will incur significant military penalties.