Why India chose to strike these 11 Pakistan Airbases: Explained in pics

In a retaliatory action, Indian Air Force on Saturday struck 11 Pakistani military airbases in precision strikes across the border. The details of India’s strike against Pakistan were released at a joint press conference held at the National Media Centre on Sunday. It was addressed by senior operational commanders from all three wings of the Indian Armed Forces: Lieutenant General Rajeev Ghai (Director General Military Operations), Vice Admiral A N Pramod (Director General Naval Operations), and Air Marshal A K Bharti (Director General Air Operations). (Pic credit: ANI)

The bases hit in Pakistan included Nur Khan airfield (Chaklala), Murid Airbase in Chakwal district of Punjab, Rafiqui Airbase in Jhang district and 8 others. These sites were chosen for their operational importance, including drone warfare command centres, air defence nodes, and aircraft deployment hubs. (Pic credit: ANI)

The most significant target was Nur Khan Airbase in Chaklala, which is just 10km away from Islamabad. It is an active airbase which is a vital military installation in Pakistan. Also known as PAF Base Chaklala, the base is also home to PAF College Chaklala, which trains Aviation Cadets, and Fazaia Inter College Nur Khan. (Pic credit: PIB)

Rahim Yar Khan Airfield which is also an international airport situated in Punjab province plays a strategic role in Pakistan’s southern air defences, close to India’s Rajasthan border. The missile fired at Rahim Yar Khan Airfield caused a massive crater on the portion of the runway. (Pic credit: PIB)

The PAF casualties at Base Bholari in Sindh’s Jamshoro district included Sq Ldr Usman Yousaf and four others in uniform. The base houses American-made F-16 and Chinese JF-17 fighter jets, critical to Pakistan’s southern air operations. (Pic credit: PIB)

Situated about 200 km west of Amritsar, Mushaf airfield is said to be the most elite and widely operational base in Pakistan, consisting of its most capable combat aircraft and best-equipped squadrons and highly trained pilots and commanders. (Pic credit: PIB)

Chunian Airbase is among the Pakistan Air Force’s primary operational bases. Situated near the town of Chunian in Punjab, it lies roughly 70 km south of Lahore. (Pic credit: PIB)

It is located in northern Sind, opposite Rajasthan, about 170 km west of Laungewala, the site of a decisive and cherished battle in 1971. (Pic credit: PIB)

“A radar site in Pasrur and an aviation base in Sialkot were also targeted with precision ammunition. During these actions, India ensured minimum collateral damage and losses,” Wing Commander Vyomika Singh told the Press. (Pic credit: PIB)

Sukkur Dual-use radar was targeted by Indian Air Force in counter-military action as it situated very close to Rajasthan border and was used for nefarious activities against India. (Pic credit: PIB)

"This multi-dimensional operation successfully neutralised terrorist threats, deterred Pakistani aggression, and reinforced India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism, all while maintaining strategic restraint and international support," the Indian forces said. (Pic credit: PIB)