SOURCE: AFI
In a striking revelation that has sent ripples through South Asian defense circles, Indian media reports claim that during the recent #OperationSindoor, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully targeted a hardened aircraft shelter at the Jacobabad Airbase in Pakistan. The strike allegedly resulted in the destruction of at least two to four F-16 Block-52 fighter jets belonging to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
According to these reports, the F-16s were housed inside the hangar for maintenance and repairs when precision-guided munitions fired by the IAF struck the facility. While the Pakistan Air Force has maintained official silence on the matter, satellite imagery and post-strike assessments cited by Indian sources indicate significant structural damage to the hangar and surrounding infrastructure.
If confirmed, this development would represent a major setback for the PAF, which operates a relatively small fleet of 18 F-16 Block-52 aircraft—considered its most modern and combat-capable fighters. The reported loss of 2 to 4 aircraft in a single ground strike would equate to a 11–22% reduction in this elite segment of Pakistan’s air fleet—without any aerial engagement.
The F-16 Block-52s form the backbone of PAF’s high-end tactical strike and interception capabilities, boasting advanced avionics, night-fighting capabilities, and compatibility with sophisticated munitions such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Their loss not only diminishes operational readiness but also potentially disrupts maintenance cycles and sortie generation capacity.
The effectiveness of the IAF strike, if independently verified, marks a significant evolution in India’s capacity for deep precision strikes within enemy airspace—a capability first demonstrated during the 2019 Balakot operation. It also raises questions about the survivability of high-value air assets during periods of heightened tension, particularly when stationed close to potential conflict zones.
With the PAF having invested heavily in safeguarding its frontline aircraft through a mix of underground shelters and dispersal tactics, the reported strike on Jacobabad—one of the more secure airbases—highlights potential vulnerabilities in airbase hardening and intelligence protection.
So far, the Pakistani military establishment has not confirmed or denied the strike or the loss of F-16s, in keeping with a pattern of tight information control around sensitive military assets. On the Indian side, official statements have remained vague, focusing more broadly on the strategic objectives and success of #OperationSindoor.
However, several defense analysts argue that such leaks through Indian media channels may be part of a calibrated information campaign aimed at both domestic audiences and international observers, especially at a time when South Asia’s strategic dynamics are under increased scrutiny.
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