Rahim Yar Khan airbase, a strategically significant installation in Pakistan's Punjab province, has been rendered non-operational for a week following precision airstrikes by the Indian Air Force. The only runway at the airbase sustained heavy damage, forcing authorities to issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) citing “work in progress” as the reason for the closure.

The Indian airstrikes, carried out in the early hours of May 10, were part of Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory mission in response to Pakistani airspace violations and the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead, many of them tourists.

Satellite Evidence and Airstrike Confirmation

In a press briefing, the Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed that Rahim Yar Khan airbase was among several key Pakistani military installations targeted. Alongside this, satellite imagery was released to substantiate claims that the airbase’s 3,000-metre runway was directly hit and significantly damaged.

A Times of India report also stated that five Pakistan Air Force (PAF) personnel, including a Squadron Leader, were killed during the missile strikes, highlighting the precision and intensity of the Indian operation.

Details from the NOTAM Issued by Pakistan

According to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), the NOTAM was issued at 4:00 pm local time on May 11, declaring that the runway would remain closed until 5:29 am IST on May 18. The notice used the aviation code “WIP” (Work in Progress), commonly denoting repair or maintenance activity. The duration and timing of this closure further support reports of direct missile impact on the airstrip, rather than routine maintenance.

International aviation authorities, including the ICAO and FAA, interpret such notifications as serious indicators of runway surface reconstruction, pointing to the extent of damage inflicted by the strike.

India’s Strategic Airstrike Plan: Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor marked one of India’s most coordinated military responses in recent years. Launched in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the mission involved precision-guided missile and drone strikes on:

• Rahim Yar Khan airbase

• Rafiki

• Murid

• Chaklala

• Sukkur

• Juniya

In addition, nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were struck during this four-day standoff.

India described these actions as defensive and retaliatory, aimed at neutralising terror infrastructure and countering ongoing provocations from Pakistan, including unauthorised incursions into Indian airspace.

Escalation and Ceasefire

After India’s initial strikes, Pakistan retaliated with drone and missile attacks along the Line of Control (LoC) and international border, leading to intensified hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

However, both countries agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday evening, marking a temporary de-escalation. No ceasefire violations were reported that night, offering a brief respite from days of confrontation.

Why Rahim Yar Khan Matters

The Rahim Yar Khan airbase is not just another military installation. It holds tactical importance for the Pakistan Air Force and dual-use aviation operations, sharing infrastructure with the Sheikh Zayed International Airport.

Its runway 01/19, measuring 3,000 metres with a bituminous surface, supports fighter jets, UAVs, and military transport aircraft. Located close to India’s Rajasthan border, it serves as a forward-operating base — a hub for rapid deployment, surveillance, and air defence operations along the eastern frontier.

This explains why India chose it as one of the primary targets in Operation Sindoor — aiming to cripple Pakistan’s quick response capabilities near the border.

Broader Implications for Regional Stability

These recent events mark a new chapter in India-Pakistan hostilities, with the deployment of long-range missile capabilities and airborne precision weapons playing a central role. The use of satellite intelligence, real-time imagery, and aerial reconnaissance has pushed regional warfare into a modern, high-tech domain.

While the temporary ceasefire provides some breathing room, analysts warn that underlying tensions remain unresolved, and any further provocation could reignite the conflict.

Conclusion: Strategic Clarity and Preparedness

The closure of the Rahim Yar Khan airbase and India’s swift retaliation through Operation Sindoor signal a significant shift in India's military doctrine, leaning heavily on precision, preparedness, and deterrence.

As the region recalibrates in the aftermath of these developments, airbases and strategic sites on both sides are likely to witness increased militarisation and technological upgrades.

India has clearly shown that acts of terror and violations of sovereignty will not go unanswered, and its ability to strike deep within enemy territory — with accuracy and minimal collateral damage — marks a turning point in South Asian defence dynamics.

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