 "Pakistani's Nur Khan airbase at Chaklala, Rawalpindi, was among those struck by India under Operation Sindoor.")
Indian strikes at Nur Khan airbase in Pakistan’s Rawalapindi inflicted more damage than previously believed, according to new satellite imagery.
Under Operation Sindoor, India struck several Pakistani airbases , including the Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi’s Chaklala area. India also struck several other military sites, such as air defence systems and radar sites.
Geospatial intelligence analyst Damien Symon has published satellite imagery from May 23 on X that shows more damage than previously believed.
Symon said, “A review of Nur Khan Airbase, Pakistan reveals the entire complex near India’s strike location has now been demolished, suggesting the strike’s effect went beyond the two special-purpose trucks — possibly presenting a broader footprint of the damage.”
Previously, analysts had reported damage to a lesser degree at the airbase. Satellite imagery from earlier this month showed visible destruction of two truck-type vehicles that appear to be special-purpose military vehicles.
ALSO READ: Operation Sindoor: With battlefield edge, India cornered Pakistan to seek peace & that’s new normal
Veteran defence journalist Vishnu Som had shared satellite imagery on May 14 and noted that structures damaged included “two long trailer trucks with awnings on the sides”. He said that these trucks could have belonged to Pakistan’s Command and Control facility.
This is notable as the Nur Khan airbase is next door to Pakistan’s Strategic Plans Divisions (SPD), the government body that is in charge of the country’s nuclear weapons.
Nur Khan airbase itself is a key airbase that serves not just as a key logistics hub but also serves the political and military elite in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The airbase is also next door to the Pakistani Army headquarters — the real seat of power in the country.