After Pakistan carried out attacks in 26 areas along the Line of Control (LoC), India reportedly launched missile strikes on three Pakistani air bases early Saturday. This sharp escalation follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists, including one from Nepal.
According to reports, explosions were heard at three Pakistani Air Force installations — Nur Khan base in Rawalpindi, Murid base in Chakwal, and Rafiqui base in Jhang district, located in eastern Punjab.
Nur Khan Air Base – A Key Target
The Nur Khan Air Force Base is located in Chaklala, Rawalpindi, roughly 10 kilometers from Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. It remains a highly active military base and also includes the former Benazir Bhutto International Airport within its premises.
Originally named RAF Station Chaklala, the base was later renamed PAF Base Chaklala. It plays a significant role in Pakistan’s air defence network. The facility also houses the PAF College Chaklala, which trains aviation cadets, along with Fazaia Inter College Nur Khan, which offers general education.
Murid Air Base – Hub of Drone Operations
The Murid Air Base lies near the Chakwal district in Punjab. It is known for its operational role in housing Pakistan’s fleet of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) and drones.
This base is central to Pakistan’s drone warfare capability and forms a vital component of the country’s aerial surveillance and defense system.
Rafiqui Air Base – Named After a War Hero
The third base targeted, Pakistan Air Force Base Rafiqui, is located near Shorkot in Jhang district, about 337 kilometers south of Islamabad. The airfield has a 10,000-foot runway with a parallel taxiway, which can be used as an emergency landing strip.
Previously called PAF Base Shorkot, it was renamed in honor of Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui, a celebrated fighter pilot from the 1965 Indo-Pak war. The base is equipped with key infrastructure to support aircraft operations even during emergencies.
Drone Activity on the Rise
Earlier, Indian Army sources reported drone activity at 26 different locations along the LoC. These drones were tracked and intercepted. On Thursday, Indian defence forces successfully thwarted a series of Pakistani drone and missile attacks aimed at critical military bases in cities like Jammu.
