Hyderabad: The brief India-Pakistan war in May last year created global attention, with India inflicting severe damage on Pakistan within just 88 hours. Operation Sindhoor, launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam terrorist attack, targeted terrorist camps and key military installations, significantly weakening Pakistan’s defense capabilities. Experts note that months later, Pakistan is still struggling to repair its damaged airbases, including major destruction at the Bholari Hangar, exposing gaps in its aerial defense.
The operation initially focused on terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed facilities, eliminating hundreds of militants. When Pakistan’s military attempted to intervene, India adjusted its strategy, striking directly at enemy airbases using advanced fighter jets and precision missiles. At least 10 major airbases were targeted during the operation.
A key strategic success was the attack on the Noor Khan base near Pakistan’s military headquarters in Rawalpindi on May 10, which destroyed Pakistan’s prized SAAB 2000 ‘Erieye’ early-warning aircraft. Satellite imagery confirms Pakistan is still reconstructing the hangar roof. Other critical bases at Mureed, Sukkur, Chaklala, Rafiqui, Rahim Yar Khan, and Nayachar were also severely impacted by Indian strikes.
India deployed its most advanced weaponry, including Rafale jets armed with SCALP missiles, Sukhoi-30 MKIs with Rampage and BrahMos air-to-surface missiles, and Mirage-2000 aircraft using Crystal Maze missiles. The operation highlighted India’s aerial precision, technical expertise, and strategic planning, leaving Pakistan’s air defense significantly compromised.