In response to the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, which targeted Indian civilians based on their religious identity India launched precise retaliatory strikes on terrorist training sites located in areas such as Muridke and Bahawalpur on 7 May 2025.
This marked the beginning of Operation Sindoor, a robust military initiative targeting terror infrastructure sheltered within Pakistani territory. Following India’s offensive, Pakistan retaliated with a series of drone and missile assaults aimed at Indian military installations and civilian areas.
India’s second phase of retaliation has since been recognized as a landmark event in the military history of South Asia—an audacious and highly coordinated counter-strike between two nuclear-armed adversaries. According to multiple sources involved in the mission, whose identities remain confidential due to the sensitivity of the ongoing operation, the events unfolded dramatically.
During the night of 9 to 10 May, the Indian Air Force (IAF), in coordination with other branches of the military, carried out a sweeping aerial campaign that struck 11 out of 12 major Pakistani air bases across the country. This offensive significantly compromised Pakistan’s air defense systems, many of which were built with Chinese support.
The main weapons used in these attacks were BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Scalp missiles launched from Rafale jets. These high-precision weapons caused substantial damage to Pakistani air capabilities, catching their military completely off guard.
Around 15 BrahMos missiles were reportedly used to disable airfields critical to Pakistan’s ability to conduct aerial operations, according to defence sources cited by ANI. The operation began with the deployment of unmanned aerial targets, designed to mimic real fighter aircraft on enemy radars. These decoys successfully triggered Pakistan’s air defense systems.
Once Pakistan’s radar and air defense systems were activated, Indian forces launched loitering munitions, including Israeli Harop drones, to strike these activated systems and their command and control centers.
Pakistan’s response included relocating its HQ-9 missile batteries and radars to alternative locations in an attempt to shield them, but these too were detected and subsequently targeted. The IAF then proceeded with its long-range missile offensive, deploying BrahMos, Scalp, Rampage, and Crystal Maze missiles.
These operations were coordinated from India’s Western and Southwestern Air Commands. On the defensive side, India successfully intercepted most Pakistani missile and drone attacks using a layered missile defense system comprising Russian-made S-400s, MRSAMs, Akash missiles, and other legacy systems.
Following the damage to their bases, the Pakistan Air Force was compelled to move its aircraft to safer rear bases. Reports suggest that Pakistan may have lost several high-value assets, including long-endurance drones and an airborne early warning and control aircraft that was struck while inside a hangar in Sindh.
This operation also marked the first live combat use of the BrahMos missile system, underscoring its formidable capabilities. Sources further revealed that the scale and precision of India’s strikes forced Pakistan into a defensive posture, prompting them to seek immediate Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)-level talks to negotiate a ceasefire and de-escalation agreement.
(With Inputs From ANI)
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