India’s Strike on Pakistan’s Nur Khan Airbase More Devastating Than First Believed: New Satellite Imagery Reveals
Blow to Pakistan’s Military Nerve Center: India’s Airstrike Damage Far Greater Than Feared
New Delhi: India’s recent airstrike on Pakistan’s Nur Khan Airbase under Operation Sindoor has caused far more extensive damage than initially acknowledged, according to newly released satellite imagery and defense analysis.
High-resolution images dated May 23, released by geospatial analyst Damien Symon, show that a major complex near the strike zone at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi has been completely destroyed. The visuals suggest a broader and more destructive impact than early reports, which primarily noted damage to two military trucks.
The airbase, located in the high-security Chaklala area, holds strategic significance due to its proximity to Pakistan’s Strategic Plans Division—the body overseeing the country’s nuclear arsenal—and its location near the Pakistan Army headquarters, often regarded as the true center of power in the nation.
Symon, in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), emphasized that the new imagery points to a larger strike footprint, indicating that the Indian Air Force may have targeted more than just ground vehicles.
A review of Nur Khan Airbase, Pakistan reveals the entire complex near India’s strike location has now been demolished, suggesting the strike’s effect went beyond the two special-purpose trucks – possibly presenting a broader footprint of the damage @TheIntelLab #SkyFi pic.twitter.com/gUhqG3nemL
— Damien Symon (@detresfa_) May 25, 2025
Open-source intelligence group The Intel Lab, which corroborated Symon’s analysis, also confirmed the destruction extends well beyond the initially reported targets. Earlier satellite assessments had dated the strike to between May 8 and 10, identifying damage to support systems and critical infrastructure within the airbase.
Veteran defense journalist Vishnu Som had previously identified the targeted vehicles as part of a possible command-and-control system, lending further weight to the view that India aimed at disrupting Pakistan’s high-value military assets.
This is important – Before and after images of Nur Khan airbase. @detresfa_ points out that the `structures’ destroyed/damaged include two long trailer trucks with awnings on the sides. This may have been some sort of Pak Command and Control facility. 📸:@Maxar pic.twitter.com/cIxbbDTLSR
— Vishnu Som (@VishnuNDTV) May 14, 2025
Under Operation Sindoor, Indian forces are believed to have targeted multiple Pakistani military installations, including radar systems and airbases, in a calibrated move to degrade key components of Pakistan’s defense architecture.
The newly surfaced intelligence paints a picture of a more significant strategic blow to Pakistan’s military capabilities than initially assessed and may lead to a reevaluation of India’s offensive reach and preparedness.
Jai Hind