New Delhi | Sept 04, 2025

Fresh satellite imagery reveals that Pakistan has begun reconstruction at the Nur Khan airbase, less than 25 km from Islamabad, which was struck by the Indian Air Force (IAF) during Operation Sindoor in May this year. The attack had targeted specialized military vehicles and caused significant structural damage, marking one of India’s deepest penetrations into Pakistani airspace in decades.

The May 10 Strike

On May 10, 2025, India launched a precision missile strike on Nur Khan, a key Pakistan Air Force (PAF) facility used for air mobility operations. The target was a complex that housed two special-purpose trucks, possibly used for drone command and control. Both vehicles, along with adjacent structures, were destroyed.

Though India has not officially disclosed the weapons used, defence experts believe the strike likely involved the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, launched from Su-30 fighter jets, and the SCALP air-launched cruise missile, deployed by Rafale aircraft. The attack followed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed, and was part of India’s calibrated military response.

Immediate Impact

Imagery from May 10 confirmed the destruction of the trucks and severe damage to nearby buildings. By May 17, the debris had been cleared, indicating rapid site assessment and preparation for rebuilding. According to defence analyst Damien Symon, the strike compromised internal systems and weakened structural integrity, forcing the PAF to dismantle several surrounding buildings.

The assault was viewed as both tactical and symbolic. Located near Pakistan Army headquarters, Nur Khan serves as a hub for critical PAF assets, including Saab Erieye airborne early warning aircraft, C-130 transporters, and IL-78 refueling planes. By hitting such a high-value site, India showcased both reach and precision.

Rebuilding Efforts

New imagery from September 3 shows fresh construction underway at the strike site. Newly erected walls appear to follow the original architectural footprint, suggesting Pakistan is using surviving foundations to expedite reconstruction. “The current activity indicates structural rebuilding designed to restore the facility’s prior functions,” Symon noted.

The effort underscores Pakistan’s urgency to restore operational readiness at Nur Khan, given its importance to air defence, logistics, and coordination.

The Larger Operation

Operation Sindoor unfolded after India’s leadership approved a list of options presented by the IAF. By April 29, strike targets had been finalized. Planning culminated in May with coordinated attacks across the western front.

Between May 7–10, the IAF executed deep strikes up to 200 km inside Pakistan, the most extensive penetration since the 1971 war. Targets included terrorist hubs, radars, runways, and hangars housing fighter aircraft. Pakistani forces attempted drone and missile counter-attacks, but India escalated in calibrated fashion.

By May 10, with key assets destroyed and pressure mounting, Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire. The strike on Nur Khan became one of the defining images of the operation, symbolizing India’s resolve after the Pahalgam massacre.

Looking Ahead

While reconstruction at Nur Khan progresses, the strike remains a reminder of the IAF’s ability to hit high-value, well-defended sites with precision. For India, Op Sindoor demonstrated not just military capability but also strategic intent—swift, deep, and decisive retaliation in the face of terror.