SOURCE: AFI
New high-resolution satellite imagery has shed light on the significant impact of India’s airstrikes on Pakistan’s military infrastructure during Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025. The images, analyzed by geospatial intelligence researcher Damien Symon and shared via posts on X, reveal extensive damage to key Pakistan Air Force (PAF) facilities at Nur Khan and Murid airbases, underscoring the precision and intensity of India’s retaliatory strikes. The strikes were conducted in response to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians and was attributed to Pakistan-based militant groups.
Located in Rawalpindi, just 10 kilometers from Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, Nur Khan Airbase is a critical hub for the PAF, housing transport squadrons, surveillance platforms, and aircraft like the C-130 Hercules, Saab 2000, and IL-78 mid-air refuelers. Satellite imagery dated May 23, 2025, shows that an entire 7,000-square-foot operations complex near the site of India’s May 10 strike has been demolished by Pakistani authorities. Earlier images indicated damage to two specialized military trucks, but the complete teardown of the complex suggests far more extensive internal and structural damage, likely rendering repairs unviable.
Damien Symon, in a post on X, noted, “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.” The proximity of the airbase to Pakistan’s Strategic Plans Division and Army General Headquarters amplifies the significance of the strike, as it may have disrupted critical command and control functions.
Murid Airbase, situated in Chakwal district, Punjab, is a key forward operating base for the PAF’s Northern Command and a hub for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations, housing advanced drones such as Shahpar 1, Shahpar 2, Burraq, Bayraktar TB2S, and Wing Loong 2. Satellite images reveal significant structural damage to a command and control (C2) building at the airbase, with a section of the roof collapsed, likely causing extensive internal damage.
According to Symon, “This report spotlights damage at Pakistan’s Murid Airbase – the Indian Air Force strike has caused structural damage to a Command & Control building, a section of the roof has collapsed as well, likely causing internal damage.” The damage to this critical infrastructure likely hampered Pakistan’s ability to coordinate drone operations and maintain operational readiness in the region bordering India.
Perhaps the most striking revelation from the new imagery is a three-meter-wide munition crater located just 30 meters from one of the two entrances to a likely underground facility at Murid Airbase. This heavily protected complex, secured with double fencing and watchtowers, is believed to be a high-value target, possibly used for special-use or sensitive operations. The precision of the strike, as highlighted by Symon, demonstrates India’s intent to signal its capability to target critical and fortified infrastructure deep within Pakistan.
A post on X by@VishnuNDTV referencing Maxar satellite imagery, emphasized, “This Maxar Satellite image shows a munition crater at Murid Airbase, part of India’s airstrike, just 30-meters from the entrance to likely special-use underground Pakistan Airforce facility. Demonstration of intent.” The proximity of the crater to the underground facility suggests India’s strikes were calibrated to disrupt high-priority targets without directly escalating to nuclear or strategic assets.
The damage to Nur Khan and Murid airbases highlights India’s growing capability to conduct precise, deep-strike operations, signaling a shift in its strategic posture toward Pakistan. The strikes on Nur Khan, located near Pakistan’s military and political nerve centers, and Murid, a key drone warfare hub, underscore India’s intent to neutralize critical military infrastructure while avoiding broader escalation. The demolition of the Nur Khan complex and the crater near Murid’s underground facility suggest that the damage was severe enough to disrupt Pakistan’s operational capabilities, potentially for an extended period.
Pakistan’s decision to dismantle the damaged complex at Nur Khan indicates that restoration was deemed uneconomical, hinting at the systemic impact of India’s strikes. Similarly, the damage to Murid’s C2 building and the proximity of the munition crater to a high-security underground facility demonstrate the precision and strategic messaging of India’s operation. Indian officials, including Air Marshal AK Bharti, emphasized that the strikes were “measured and calibrated,” targeting terrorist infrastructure and military assets without hitting sensitive sites like Pakistan’s alleged nuclear facility at Kirana Hills, despite social media speculation.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.