Fresh satellite imagery reveals Pakistan rebuilding parts of Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi

Fresh satellite imagery reveals Pakistan rebuilding parts of Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, months after Indian strikes destroyed specialised military trucks.
Fresh satellite imagery reveals that Pakistan is actively rebuilding parts of its Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, nearly four months after Indian air strikes during Operation Sindoor caused significant damage.

The targeted strike, which occurred in May 2025, destroyed "specialised military trucks" at the base, believed to function as Command and Control (C2) centres integrating air and ground assets with communication systems.

The strike caused secondary damage to neighbouring structures, which were later demolished due to structural instability. New satellite images show reconstruction efforts with new wall sections and groundwork at the damaged site, reflecting Pakistan’s intent to restore the airbase’s operational capacity, which remains critical for airfield operations and VVIP transport.


Nur Khan airbase hosts the No. 12 VIP Squadron of the Pakistan Air Force, known as the Burraqs, responsible for transporting top national leadership including the President, Prime Minister, service chiefs, and cabinet ministers.

Despite the damage, key flights including those carrying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir recently took off and landed from this base for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin. Munir’s jet departed directly from Nur Khan airbase, while PM Sharif’s jet departed from Lahore.

Pre-strike imagery had shown the presence of specialised trucks at the site, which were destroyed by Indian strikes apparently using ballistic missiles. The attack was significant enough for Pakistan's Army Chief to personally inform the Prime Minister via a secure phone call at 2:30 am.


The reconstruction visible in recent imagery includes replacements consistent with the original building layout, indicating serious efforts to restore facilities integral to the base’s functions. 

Additionally, recent imagery shows parked VVIP jets resembling Bombardier Global 6000 and Gulfstream aircraft near the reconstruction zone, demonstrating continued operational use of the base despite the damage.

The Nur Khan airbase is strategically crucial, situated near the capital, Rawalpindi, and serving as a key military and governmental logistics hub.

The Indian strike was part of a broader Operation Sindoor that targeted multiple military facilities in Pakistan. Pakistan's rebuilding of Nur Khan airbase signals its determination to regain full operational capability of this significant military and transport installation.

Based On India Today Report