Why India Targeted Pakistan’s Rafiqui, Murid & Nur Khan Air Bases: A Precision Strategy Explained

From Mirage jets to Turkish drones, India’s Operation Sindoor precisely hit strategic military hubs to paralyze Pakistan’s aerial offensive capabilities.

May 10, 2025: New Delhi – India’s retaliatory airstrikes under Operation Sindoor were not random. They were meticulously calibrated to degrade Pakistan’s offensive air capabilities, officials said on Saturday during a special government briefing.

Led by Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, the Indian Air Force revealed it had targeted six key military installations of the Pakistan Air Force, including Nur Khan, Rafiqui, and Murid airbases, all central to recent aerial provocations from Islamabad.

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“Our precision strikes were limited strictly to military targets. We ensured minimum collateral damage,” Wing Commander Singh clarified.

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Key Targets and Strategic Significance

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1. Nur Khan Air Base (Rawalpindi)

Previously known as Chaklala, this airbase is the nerve centre of Pakistan’s air mobility command and houses Saab 2000 AWACS aircraft, which India believes were crucial in coordinating the 72-hour drone and missile campaign targeting Indian military and civilian locations.

2. Rafiqui Air Base (Punjab)

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Located in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Rafiqui is home to Mirage and JF-17 squadrons and functions as a training and operational hub for missions near the Punjab-Kashmir sector. Officials believe this base played an active role in Pakistan’s recent cross-border aerial operations.

3. Murid Air Base (Punjab)

Described as Pakistan’s UAV headquarters, Murid houses a range of drones including the indigenous Shahpar-I, and Turkish-origin Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci combat drones. Pakistan reportedly deployed over 300 drones during the recent hostilities, many of which were launched from Murid.

India targeted these facilities using air-launched precision-guided munitions, reportedly dropped from multirole fighter aircraft. Additional strikes were carried out on Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunia, Pasrur radar site, and the Sialkot aviation base.

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IAF’s Objective: Cripple Pakistan’s Strike Potential

According to defence officials, these targets were carefully chosen to:

• Disable drone-launch infrastructure
• Neutralize airborne early warning and control systems
• Undermine Pakistan’s long-range strike planning capabilities
• Disrupt ongoing coordination of aerial missions into Indian airspace

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India’s Response Post-Pahalgam Massacre

India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed terror outfits. In retaliation, India struck nine terror bases in PoK and Pakistan using 24 missiles in 25 minutes earlier this week.

Pakistan responded with coordinated drone and missile attacks on 26 Indian locations, prompting India to take out strategic air assets.

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India Maintains “No Escalation” Posture

Despite the heavy strikes, India emphasized its commitment to non-escalation.

“The Indian Armed Forces remain in a high state of readiness. All hostile actions have been effectively countered, and our response has been measured,” said Wing Commander Singh.

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India Pakistan conflict, Operation Sindoor, Indian Air Force, Pakistan Air Force, drone attacks, Mirage jets, Bayraktar drones, Nur Khan airbase, Rafiqui airbase, Murid airbase, OperationSindoor,