On May 10, the Indian Air Force carried out a special operation called "Operation Sindoor" in response to Pakistan's attempt to enter Indian airspace at over 26 places on the same day. As part of this operation, Indian fighter jets launched accurate airstrikes on several key military airbases across Pakistan. Satellite images taken by Maxar on May 10 and 11 and shared with India Today clearly show the damage caused by these strikes. The Indian Air Force targeted airbases in Sukkur, Nur Khan (Rawalpindi), Rahim Yar Khan, Mushaf in Sargodha, Jacobabad, and Bholari. These airbases are spread across different areas of Pakistan, including Sindh, Punjab, and near the capital, Islamabad. The images show that India’s airstrikes caused serious damage to runways, aircraft shelters, and military buildings.

The Indian strikes reportedly left large craters on runways and also damaged aircraft hangars, storage units, administrative buildings, and even radar sites in Pasrur and Sialkot. These radar sites are key to Pakistan’s air surveillance and defence systems.

According to reports, the strikes were so effective that the Shehbaz Sharif-led government in Pakistan was forced to reach out to India for a ceasefire after three days of hostilities.

What do the satellite images show?

PAF Base, Sukkur

This base also serves as Begum Nusrat Bhutto International Airport, the second major civilian airport in Sindh. The strike caused visible damage to operational areas. Sukkur is a forward base of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), making it a strategically important location.

Nur Khan Airbase, Rawalpindi

Located just 10 km from the Pakistan Army Headquarters (GHQ), this base hosts key transport aircraft like the C-130 Hercules, Ilyushin Il-78 refuellers, and Karakoram-8 trainers.
According to researcher Damien Symon, the imagery shows damage to at least two military transport vehicles.

Rahim Yar Khan Airbase

This dual-use airport suffered heavy damage. “The Indian strike created a massive crater of around 19 feet in radius on Rahim Yar Khan’s sole runway.” “Debris can be seen littered around the crater that measures nearly 43 feet in radius.” Following this, Pakistan suspended all flight operations at the airport for a week.

Major damage at top PAF base in Sargodha

PAF Base Mushaf, Sargodha

One of Pakistan’s most important airbases, Sargodha, houses top fighter jets, training schools, and command centres.

“Indian missile strikes left two large craters on the runway of the Mushaf Airbase, with one measuring around 15 feet in radius, rendering it non-operational.”
“The strike left a relatively smaller crater of around 10 feet in radius at the intersection of the runway.”
Some military transport vehicles were also damaged here. This base is home to powerful jets like the F-16 Fighting Falcon, Chengdu J-7, Mirage 5, and JF-17 Thunder.

Jacobabad Airbase

Once used by NATO forces during the US-led war on terror, this base continues to be vital for Pakistan. It currently hosts JF-17 Block II jets, multiple F-16 variants, and AW139 helicopters. Reports also suggest the presence of private contractors for F-16 maintenance.

“New satellite images show that the Indian Air Force struck a hangar at the Pakistan Air Force Airbase Shahbaz in Jacobabad.”

Bholari Airbase

One of Pakistan’s newest airbases, Bholari, houses JF-17 Thunders, F-16s, and Saab 2000 AEWACs.

“A high-resolution satellite image suggests a damaged hangar where aircraft are kept. Some aircraft were likely damaged too, at the Bholari Airbase.”

The strikes under Operation Sindoor have shown India’s capability to launch precise, high-impact operations deep inside Pakistan’s military infrastructure. The damage has affected flight operations, military transport, and possibly even fighter jet readiness.

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