SOURCE: AFI
In a significant escalation of the ongoing India-Pakistan military conflict, an Indian missile strike has reportedly destroyed at least two Pakistan Air Force (PAF) IL-78 mid-air refueling tankers stationed at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, according to open-source intelligence (OSINT) reports from the DFI Lite team (@DfIlite ). The strike, part of India’s Operation Sindoor, is said to have dealt a severe blow to the PAF’s operational capabilities, with both or at least one of the IL-78 tankers likely rendered inoperable due to the intensity of the explosion.
Nur Khan Airbase, located approximately 10 kilometers from Islamabad, is a critical logistics hub for the PAF. Renamed in 2012 from PAF Base Chaklala in honor of Air Marshal Noor Khan, the base houses key assets, including the No. 10 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) Squadron, which operates the PAF’s fleet of four IL-78 aerial refueling tankers acquired in 2009. Additionally, the base is home to six SAAB ERIEYE Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, making it a nerve center for Pakistan’s air operations.
The IL-78 tankers are vital for extending the range and endurance of PAF fighter jets, such as the JF-17 Thunder and F-16, enabling sustained operations over long distances. The loss of even one of these tankers would significantly hamper Pakistan’s ability to conduct extended air missions, particularly in a high-intensity conflict with India.
Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry, confirmed that Nur Khan, along with Murid and Rafiqui airbases, was targeted by Indian missiles but claimed that the majority were intercepted by Pakistan’s air defense systems. However, the reported damage to the IL-78 tankers suggests that at least some missiles penetrated defenses, causing significant losses.
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