NEW DELHI: In response to Pakistan’s attacks on 26 locations across the Line of Control (LoC), India reportedly launched missile strikes on three key Pakistani air bases on Saturday. This escalation follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists, including one Nepali national.
According to reports, loud explosions were heard at three Pakistani military installations: Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi, Murid Air Base in Chakwal, and Rafiqui Air Base in Punjab’s Jhang district.
Nur Khan Air Base
Located in Rawalpindi, Nur Khan Air Base is a major operational facility that also encompasses the former Benazir Bhutto International Airport. Originally established as RAF Station Chaklala, it was later designated as PAF Base Chaklala and continues to function as a critical hub for the Pakistan Air Force.
The base also houses PAF College Chaklala, which trains aviation cadets, and Fazaia Inter College Nur Khan, offering additional educational infrastructure.
Murid Air Base
Murid Air Base, near the Chakwal District in Punjab, is an active operational site for the Pakistan Air Force. It is particularly known for hosting Pakistan’s fleet of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Its role in surveillance and aerial defense makes it a strategic asset in Pakistan’s air defense architecture.
Rafiqui Air Base
Situated near Shorkot in Jhang District, approximately 337 kilometers south of Islamabad, Rafiqui Air Base is another critical military installation. Previously known as PAF Base Shorkot, it was renamed in honor of Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui, a celebrated pilot from the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War.
The base features a 10,000-foot main runway and a parallel taxiway designed to serve as an emergency landing strip, allowing aircraft recovery operations during combat or emergencies.
Broader Context
The Indian Army earlier reported detecting drones in 26 locations along the LoC and confirmed it had tracked and engaged them. On Thursday, India thwarted attempted drone and missile strikes by Pakistan targeting military installations across multiple cities, including Jammu.
