According to sources, the destruction at the Nur Khan airbase represents both material and psychological losses to Pakistan’s army
Pakistan sustained significant damage at Nur Khan airbase during India’s Operation Sindoor, top intelligence sources told CNN-News18 on Wednesday.
India’s precision strikes on the base’s hangars, runways, and radar sites disrupted the operations of VIP transport fleets, drones, and surveillance aircraft, degrading 20% of Pakistan’s air force infrastructure, they said. The strikes, the sources added, exposed critical gaps in Pakistan’s air defences and highlighted its inability to intercept ballistic missiles targeting high-value sites deep inside the country.
“While Pakistan’s army attempts to downplay the damage, satellite evidence reveals visible debris, indicating ongoing repairs and an attempt to avoid showing weakness. The military has ordered against rapid cleanup to prevent exposing the full extent of the damage to India or the public. The proximity of the base to nuclear facilities has heightened security concerns, potentially delaying external access for clearance,” a source said.
The military has not removed debris from the airport due to fear and resource shortages or the prioritisation of other damaged bases, the sources said. “Satellite imagery revealed the demolition of a 7,000 sq ft complex near the strike site, contradicting initial reports of limited damage. Mobile control centres and support vehicles used for air force operations were destroyed, severely compromising command capabilities. High-resolution images showed crater impacts near fortified underground facilities likely used for storing sensitive equipment or overseeing nuclear systems,” said a source.
Indian attacks, sources said, severely hit Saab Erieye AWACS, a strategic location just 25 km from Islamabad and near Pakistan army headquarters and nuclear command centres, symbolising a direct breach of Pakistan’s core defences. The base, home to Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones and the nerve centre for Air Mobility Command, faced increased operational losses, they added.