In a significant escalation of regional tensions, the Indian Air Force conducted a meticulously planned aerial operation under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. This operation aimed at dismantling Pakistan’s air defenses delivered a substantial psychological and tactical setback to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), with a notable strike targeting the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi.
The operation, which had the unequivocal backing of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, received final approval at the highest levels of the Indian government before its execution. Singh, noted for his tactical expertise, personally selected a cadre of elite IAF pilots and established rules of engagement that directed the operation’s intensity. His rallying directive—“We should go for the kill”—set a decisive tone for what has been characterized as one of India’s most impactful aerial campaigns in recent history.
The success of the mission was highlighted by an unprecedented acknowledgment from the Pakistani side. In a live television appearance, Lt General Ahmed Sharif, the official spokesperson for the Pakistan Army, confirmed that Indian missiles successfully struck multiple vital military installations, including Nur Khan and other significant airbases such as Murid in Chakwal and Rafiqui in Jhang.
Analysis of satellite images, provided by the Chinese firm MIZAZVISION and examined by OSINT expert Damien Symon, revealed extensive damage at the Nur Khan facility, with reports of destroyed military trucks and structural damage to key installations. It was also reported that the strike compelled Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir to seek refuge in a bunker for a duration of two hours.
The coordinated assault by the Indian Air Force extended beyond Nur Khan, impacting strategic targets across various locations, including Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Pasrur, and Sialkot, effectively crippling significant PAF infrastructure. In the aftermath, the Pakistani military reported 11 casualties, including five personnel from the PAF.
With a career spanning nearly four decades and over 5,000 flying hours under his belt, Singh’s credentials include a rich background as a qualified flying instructor and experimental test pilot. His extensive experience encompasses pivotal roles in the MiG-29 upgrade project and the development of the Tejas aircraft. Appointed as the 28th Chief of Air Staff on September 30, 2024, Singh’s leadership during this high-stakes operation solidifies his legacy within the Indian military, underscoring the IAF’s capability to decisively neutralize potential threats with surgical precision and overwhelming force.
