Operation Sindoor: India’s Military Retaliation Explained
The Indian Air Force (IAF) launched precision airstrikes on eight Pakistani military sites on May 10, 2025, targeting key radar installations, ammunition dumps, and command centers. This retaliatory move followed a wave of Pakistani drone and missile attacks on Indian military and civilian infrastructure.
Why Did India Strike?
According to a special briefing by top defence officials, the airstrikes were in response to Pakistan’s provocative use of fighter jets, UCAVs (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles), and missiles that targeted Indian cities and border military bases.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi stated that India’s strikes were “calibrated and precise,” designed to neutralize Pakistan’s operational capabilities while avoiding civilian areas.
Key Pakistani Military Targets Hit
- Rafiqui Airbase
- Murid Airbase
- Chaklala Command Center
- Rahim Yar Khan Radar Station
- Sukkur Ammunition Depot
- Chunian and Pasrur Surveillance Posts
- Sialkot Terror Launchpads
At Rahim Yar Khan, India’s strikes caused severe damage to runways and operational buildings, confirmed through satellite imagery. Damage was extensive enough to halt air traffic operations temporarily.
Pakistan’s Response and Misinformation Tactics
Following the strikes, Pakistan attempted to spread misinformation, claiming that Indian S-400 systems and airfields were destroyed. India’s foreign secretary Vikram Misri refuted these claims, confirming no critical losses and asserting India’s high state of operational readiness.
Pakistan had earlier launched over 300 Turkish-origin kamikaze drones, targeting Indian bases across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. This marked the most significant escalation since the launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7.
Satellite Imagery Confirms Impact
Geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon analyzed satellite images showing damage to hangars, command buildings, and radar systems across multiple Pakistani locations. Symon highlighted that the airstrikes showcased India’s superior targeting precision.
Conclusion: What Comes Next?
As tensions remain high along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC), India’s military continues to monitor Pakistani movements and respond proportionately. With satellite confirmation of strike accuracy and India’s restraint in avoiding civilian casualties, New Delhi has signaled both its technological edge and strategic control.
For more details on India’s retaliation timeline, read our feature: India Hits Terror Targets in Pakistan.
