'Significantly degraded': Satellite images confirm major damage to four Pakistani airbases after Operation Sindoor

NEW DELHI: Recent satellite imagery released by Maxar Technologies has revealed extensive damage to four key Pakistani air bases following India’s precision strike operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025.The satellite photos, dated between April 25 and May 11, show visible structural damage at Nur Khan Air Base (Rawalpindi), PAF Base Mushaf (Sargodha), Bholari Air Base, and PAF Base Shahbaz (Jacobabad).At Nur Khan Air Base, images from April 25 and May 10 reveal damaged facilities, suggesting a direct strike. At Mushaf Base, photos taken between April 30 and May 10 show significant damage to the runway and nearby structures. Bholari Air Base sustained similar precision damage, with satellite shots from April 27 and May 11 revealing hits on the runway and at least one building. Shahbaz Base also shows visible damage to a structure when comparing April 30 and May 11 images.The government has confirmed that these strikes were part of Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory action by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack..Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Tuesday that the operation destroyed major terror hubs in Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad, in addition to significantly degrading Pakistan’s military strength.“In the last week, as a result of Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has seen its terrorism centres in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Muzaffarabad and other places destroyed. Thereafter, its military capabilities were significantly degraded by us and key airbases effectively put out of action,” Jaiswal said. He pointed to satellite images as proof and dismissed Pakistani claims of counterattacks on Indian soil, stating, “Claiming victory is an old habit.”Jaiswal also highlighted how Pakistan’s tone shifted after its own offensive failed on the morning of May 10. “Till the night of May 9, Pakistan was threatening India with a massive assault. Once their attempt failed and they received a devastating counter-response, their DGMO reached out to us,” he said.He concluded by saying that if Pakistan targets India again, the response would be “suitable,” reinforcing New Delhi’s stance on neutralizing cross-border terrorist infrastructure.