The brief yet intense military encounter between India and Pakistan in May 2025 is back in the spotlight. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, recently opened up in a press conference, admitting that the critical Noor Khan Airbase had suffered damage due to Indian strikes. This revelation comes precisely seven months post-Operation Sindoor, which was India’s retaliatory action against Pakistan-supported terrorism.
On April 22, 2025, a horrific terrorist attack by Pakistani-supported militants in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, took the lives of 26 innocent tourists. India didn't take this lightly, launching Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025. In this mission, the Indian military targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, asserting these were strikes solely on terror facilities.
Source: aajtak
India had demonstrated its military might in Operation Sindoor. The precision of the BrahMos missiles and drones astonished the world. Initially denied by Pakistan, they now concede the significant destruction at key installations. Experts believe this is part of India’s novel strategy to counter terrorism decisively, without initiating a full-scale war.
This incident marks a new chapter in Indo-Pak relations. Pakistan’s acknowledgment signifies that India’s military capability is now stronger than ever. The future remains uncertain, but Operation Sindoor has become an integral part of India’s defense policy.
Source: aajtak
BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile: This was the quintessential weapon. BrahMos is the fastest cruise missile globally, flying three times the speed of sound, with a range of 300-600 km. It hits targets with 1-meter accuracy. Launched from Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets, approximately 15-19 BrahMos missiles were fired, causing significant damage to Noor Khan and other Pakistani airbases. It marked its first successful war-time usage.
SCALP Cruise Missile: A long-range subsonic missile fired from Rafale fighter jets, with a range exceeding 500 km, targeting terrorist camps and deep installations with precision.
HAMMER Bombs: Smart guided bombs launched from Rafale jets, known for their precision and ability to strike from low altitudes, crucial in destroying terrorist bases.
Crystal Maze and SPICE-2000 Guided Bombs: Precision guided munitions dropped from fighter jets damaging runways, hangars, and radar sites.
Harop Loitering Munitions (Suicide Drones): These Israeli drones loiter in the air, searching for targets, and destroy them in kamikaze-style attacks. Targeted Pakistani radars and air defenses.
Other Drones and Loitering Weapons: Used by India for both surveillance and offensive operations.
Defensive Weapons Used: To thwart Pakistan’s retaliatory drone and missile attacks, systems like the Akash Air Defense, Akash-TIR Command, Barak-8, and S-400 were deployed, significantly neutralizing the threats.
