SOURCE: AFI
Pakistan has declared the sole runway at Rahim Yar Khan Airbase non-operational following Indian airstrikes. The attack, reportedly involving a BrahMos-A supersonic cruise missile, left a massive crater in the middle of the runway, rendering it unusable. Pakistan has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) stating that the runway will remain non-operational for an estimated seven days, until 17 May 2025.
The airstrike, attributed to Indian forces, targeted the strategically important Rahim Yar Khan Airbase in Pakistan’s Punjab province. According to sources, the BrahMos-A missile, known for its precision and destructive power, struck the runway with devastating effect. The resulting crater has severely disrupted operations at the airbase, which serves as a key facility for the Pakistan Air Force.
The BrahMos-A, a variant of the Indo-Russian BrahMos missile system, is designed for air-launched operations and can carry a conventional warhead with pinpoint accuracy at supersonic speeds. Its deployment in this strike underscores India’s growing capability to conduct precision strikes deep within enemy territory.
In response to the attack, Pakistani authorities swiftly issued a NOTAM, alerting pilots and air traffic controllers that the runway at Rahim Yar Khan Airbase is out of service. The NOTAM, effective immediately, estimates a seven-day closure to facilitate repairs and restore operational capacity. The damage to the runway is believed to be extensive, requiring significant engineering efforts to fill the crater and ensure the surface meets safety standards for aircraft operations.
Pakistan has not yet released an official statement detailing the full extent of the damage or casualties, if any, at the airbase. However, the strike has heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with both sides likely to engage in diplomatic and military posturing in the coming days.
The targeting of Rahim Yar Khan Airbase highlights the vulnerability of critical military infrastructure in the region. Runways are high-value targets in modern warfare, as their destruction can cripple air operations and limit a country’s ability to project power. The use of a BrahMos-A missile in this context demonstrates India’s intent to showcase its advanced weaponry and deter Pakistani aggression.
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