Pakistan’s AWACS Destroyed in Indian BrahMos Strike: Ex-Air Marshal Admits, ‘Missiles Kept Coming’

In a major revelation, former Pakistani Air Marshal Masood Akhtar has confirmed that a key Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft was destroyed during a series of precision missile strikes carried out by India on May 9-10. The operation, known as Operation Sindoor, was launched by India in response to the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam and subsequent Pakistani drone strikes targeting Indian civilian areas.

AWACS Destroyed at Bholari Airbase

Speaking in a video interview, Air Marshal Akhtar detailed how the Indian military launched multiple BrahMos missiles, which ultimately struck the Bholari airbase, located near Islamabad. According to him, four missiles were launched in succession. While Pakistani pilots tried to scramble and secure their aircraft, the relentless missile barrage proved too much.

“The fourth one hit the hangar at Bholari airbase, where one of our AWACS was standing. It was damaged,” Akhtar admitted, underlining the severity of the attack.

AWACS aircraft are the eyes and ears of any modern air force. Equipped with powerful radar and communication systems, they play a critical role in detecting enemy aircraft, coordinating air missions, and guiding interceptors in real time. The loss of such an asset is a major strategic setback for Pakistan.

India’s Coordinated Precision Strikes

India’s missile campaign was not limited to one location. According to official statements, Indian forces struck 11 key military installations across Pakistan within a span of just three hours. These included bases at Rafiqui, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Sialkot, Chunian, Pasrur, Murid, Skardu, Jacobabad, and Bholari. Satellite imagery released afterward confirmed extensive damage to hangars, radar systems, and ammunition storage sites.

This marked the first instance of successful strikes on airbases of a nuclear-armed country. Air Marshal AK Bharti of India noted, “We could have targeted more assets, but we chose to send a message—hit hard, but with restraint to avoid full-scale escalation.”

One of the more high-profile strikes also destroyed a Lashkar-e-Taiba command center in Muridke—showcasing India’s precision in identifying and eliminating terror infrastructure.

Chinese Systems Fail to Protect Pakistan

Pakistan’s air defences, largely supplied by China, failed to intercept any of the incoming Indian missiles. Despite possessing HQ-9 air defence systems and advanced Chinese PL-15 missiles, none of these systems were able to prevent the strikes. The J-10C fighter jets, also of Chinese origin, failed to scramble in time or effectively counter the threat.

This operational failure has sparked renewed doubts about the effectiveness of Chinese military hardware. It is not the first time such concerns have emerged. In 2022, the Pakistan Navy faced significant issues with its Chinese-made F-22P frigates. The vessels, which were expected to bolster naval capability, suffered from malfunctioning radar systems and underperforming engines.

The lack of adequate maintenance support and the recurring nature of faults in Chinese defence systems have created growing anxiety within the Pakistani military establishment.

Economic Pressure Driving Pakistan’s Military Choices

Pakistan’s increasing dependence on Chinese military hardware is largely driven by its strained economy. With limited access to Western defence markets and a constant need to upgrade ageing systems, Pakistan has turned to China for more affordable options. Chinese defence deals often come with generous loans, flexible payment terms, and political alignment.

However, this shift has come at a cost. Multiple reports, including a past study by the RAND Corporation, have pointed out the recurring faults in Chinese arms supplied to nations like Myanmar, Nigeria, and even Venezuela. These countries faced delays, technical failures, and costly overhauls—patterns now seen in Pakistan as well.

A Message Delivered with Precision

India’s Operation Sindoor was not just a military retaliation—it was a calibrated strategic message. The destruction of the AWACS aircraft and other military installations exposed Pakistan’s vulnerabilities and highlighted India’s precision-strike capability. It also signaled a shift in India’s strategic posture: one of decisiveness, deterrence, and control.

As Air Marshal Bharti summed it up, “We could have destroyed more, but we chose restraint. That’s real power.”

Meanwhile, the Pakistani Air Force’s failure to protect its critical assets, despite heavy investments in Chinese systems, may trigger a reassessment of its military procurement strategy—and how much it can really rely on its allies in times of crisis.