80 Indian drones in 36 hours: Pak admits damage to Nur Khan airbase during Operation Sindoor

Pakistan on Saturday faced international embarrassment after publicly acknowledging the effects of India's precise strikes on its military facilities during the May escalation under Operation Sindoor, as per reports.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, confirmed that India has targeted its Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi’s Chakala , which led to damaged military installation as well as injuring personnel posted there. 

The revelation emerged during a year-end press briefing on December 27, Dar stated that Pakistan intercepted 79 of the 80 drones, with only one breaching defenses to strike the airbase, though the attack was largely contained, and this all took place in the 36-hour period.

Operation Sindoor was launched in the early hours of May 7 to avenge the massacre of 26 civilians by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 26.

Post-India's Operation Sindoor, India-Pakistan tensions escalated with intensified cross-border shelling from Pakistan and corresponding Indian military responses.

 In an unexpected turn, Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations contacted India's counterpart to propose a ceasefire, which India promptly accepted. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the development, stating both nations agreed to cease all land, sea, and air operations.

Recent satellite imagery has revealed ongoing reconstruction at Pakistan's Nur Khan airbase, a strategic Pakistan Air Force facility less than 25 km from Islamabad, following damage from India's Operation Sindoor strikes in May 2025.

The base, housing critical military assets, underscores the precision of the Indian operation amid escalating tensions.While India has not confirmed the weapons deployed, speculation centers on BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles launched from Su-30MKI fighters and SCALP stealth missiles fired from Rafale jets, which likely inflicted significant impact on the infrastructure.