Satellite Images Reveal Reconstruction After Indian Missile Strikes on Pakistan’s Strategic Airbase
Recent satellite images reveal that Pakistan has begun rebuilding a section of the Nur Khan Airbase that was severely damaged during India’s Operation Sindoor missile strikes in May 2025. The attacks targeted special military vehicles and infrastructure at this key airbase near Islamabad, dealing a significant blow to Pakistan Air Force assets.
Background: India’s Missile Strike on Nur Khan Airbase
- Date of Attack: May 10, 2025
- Target: Two special-purpose trucks and adjacent complex at Nur Khan Airbase
- Significance: Nur Khan is a strategic base located less than 25 km from Pakistan’s capital, housing critical air force assets like command centers and drone control units.
- Weapons Used: Likely BrahMos and SCALP air-launched land attack missiles launched from Indian Su-30 and Rafale jets.
The missile strikes destroyed the specialized vehicles and inflicted heavy damage to surrounding buildings, crippling command and control capabilities related to drone operations.
Satellite Imagery Analysis: Damage and Reconstruction
- May 10, 2025: Satellite images showed complete destruction of the trucks and significant damage to nearby infrastructure.
- May 17, 2025: The site was cleared of debris.
- September 3, 2025: New construction activity is visible, including the erection of new walls mirroring the original layout.
Geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon notes that several surrounding structures were dismantled post-attack, likely due to internal damage such as wiring failures or structural weakening. Reconstruction appears to use intact foundations that survived the strike.
Strategic Importance of Nur Khan Airbase
Nur Khan Airbase plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s military logistics and surveillance. It supports:
- Saab Erieye airborne early warning systems
- C-130 transport aircraft
- IL-78 mid-air refueling planes
These assets are essential for air mobility, operational coordination, and logistical support for the Pakistan Army, making the airbase a high-value target.
Context: India’s Response to the Pahalgam Terror Attack
- On April 22, 2025, a terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 civilians.
- Within two days, the Indian Air Force presented operational options to the government.
- Targets were shortlisted by April 29, with planning finalized by May 6.
- India launched strikes beginning May 7, escalating to deep-penetration missile and drone attacks reaching up to 200 km inside Pakistan, the deepest since 1971.
The operation aimed at terror camps, radars, airfields, and hangars, pushing Pakistan towards a ceasefire agreement by May 10.
The ongoing reconstruction at Nur Khan Airbase highlights Pakistan’s efforts to restore its strategic military capabilities following India’s significant Operation Sindoor missile strikes. The attack and subsequent rebuilding underscore the continuing tensions and military preparedness between the two neighboring nations.
