IAF’s Precision Strikes at Pakistan’s Bholari Air Base Reportedly Destroy 3 to 4 Fighter Jets with AEW&C Aircraft

In a significant development, a recent report has brought to light an alleged precision strike carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Pakistan’s Bholari Air Base. This operation, reportedly executed using long-range cruise missiles, is said to have targeted a critical hangar housing key assets of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

Major Losses for PAF at Bholari

According to the report, the hangar contained a Saab 2000 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft along with three to four fighter jets of Western origin. These aircraft were reportedly destroyed in the strike, dealing a substantial blow to Pakistan’s aerial surveillance and operational capabilities.

The Saab 2000 AEW&C, equipped with the sophisticated Erieye radar system, is a vital component of Pakistan’s air defence strategy. It serves as an airborne radar station, providing early warning of incoming threats and coordinating air operations. The loss of this system would severely affect the PAF’s ability to monitor its airspace and manage combat operations effectively.

In addition to the AEW&C, the reported destruction of multiple fighter jets further reduces the immediate operational strength of the PAF. Debris clearance operations at the site have reportedly not yet begun, indicating the extent of damage and the possible challenges faced by Pakistan in restoring the base’s operational status.

Operation Monitored by Indian Satellites and AWACS

The operation is believed to have been meticulously planned, with real-time surveillance provided by Indian satellites and Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. This integration of space-based and airborne intelligence allowed Indian forces to monitor the situation live, ensuring the strike achieved its intended objective with high precision.

This strike is seen as a demonstration of India’s growing military capabilities, particularly in the domain of precision strikes using advanced missile systems and intelligence-driven operations. It reflects a shift towards a modern, technology-based approach in handling cross-border threats.

Additional Strikes in Pakistan’s Punjab Region

In a separate but related incident, the IAF reportedly targeted another Pakistani air base located in the Punjab sector. In this operation, three missiles were said to have struck different sections of the base’s runways, making them unusable for at least eight hours. This temporary disabling of the airfield likely grounded PAF aircraft and hampered their operational readiness.

Such attacks, aimed at crippling air bases by damaging runways and key infrastructure, serve to restrict the enemy’s ability to launch air operations and respond effectively.

Strategic Message and Regional Impact

These reported strikes, though unconfirmed by official Pakistani sources, carry a clear strategic message. They showcase India’s ability to conduct high-precision, intelligence-backed military operations aimed at high-value enemy assets while maintaining operational secrecy.

The alleged destruction of the Saab 2000 AEW&C aircraft is particularly significant, as it represents a crucial element of Pakistan’s airborne early warning and command network. Without such platforms, the PAF’s situational awareness and coordination during any conflict scenario would be notably diminished.

This operation, reportedly codenamed Operation Sindoor, highlights the Indian Air Force’s preparedness, advanced strike capability, and growing emphasis on integrating space-based and airborne surveillance into combat missions.

While official details remain classified and Pakistan is unlikely to confirm the full extent of the damage, the implications of this reported strike are expected to be closely monitored by global defence analysts. It signals a proactive approach by India in addressing regional security threats and neutralizing strategic enemy assets with precision.