Satellite images reveal Pakistan reconstructing Nur Khan airbase damaged in India’s Operation Sindoor

Rawalpindi: Reconstruction efforts are progressing significantly at Pakistan's Nur Khan airbase following India's Operation Sindoor strikes in May this year.

According to an exclusive NDTV report, new satellite imagery shows Nur Khan — a strategic airbase situated less than 25 kilometres from Islamabad, hosting critical assets of the Pakistan Air Force – being rebuilt.

The operation started on May 7 in retaliation for a Pakistan-backed terror attack in Pahalgam and saw India conduct precision airstrikes on key Pakistani military sites, including Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi. Previously known as PAF Chaklala, the base served as a critical node for Pakistan’s Air Mobility Command. It hosted vital assets such as Saab Erieye airborne early warning systems, C-130 transport aircraft, and IL-78 aerial refuelling tankers.

Pakistan air force reportedly suffered severe losses, with 20 per cent of its infrastructure destroyed in Indian strikes.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif himself confirmed on May 17 that the Nur Khan Air Base was among the targets struck.

The reported destruction of the facility is considered a significant strategic blow, curbing Pakistan’s rapid deployment capabilities. Intelligence suggests that Indian jets targeted no fewer than eight Pakistani airbases, striking runways, radar installations, aircraft shelters, and command infrastructure.

Satellite images had revealed widespread damage, including craters on runways and destroyed military vehicles. The Indian Air Force is said to have launched 24 missiles within a mere 25-minute window, leaving Pakistani defences overwhelmed and struggling to gauge the extent of the damage.

The strikes destroyed ammunition depots and airbases such as Sargodha and Bholari, where the PAF’s F-16 and J-17 fighter aircraft were said to be stationed.

Pakistan Army admitted that 11 of its military service personnel died and over 70 were injured in the conflict with India over the Pahalgam terror attack.

Indian Armed Forces, however, stated on record that 35-40 Pakistani armymen were killed in strikes from May 7 to May 10.