Operation Sindoor, May 2025
Details of Strategic Operations and Ceasefire Negotiations
An in-depth look at India's Operation Sindoor, detailing the precision strikes on Pakistani military installations, the destruction of key assets including fighter jets and air defence systems, and the events leading to a ceasefire.
The IAF destroyed a JF-17, two F-16s, an AWACS, a C-130J, and an HQ-9; the Navy was on the verge of striking Karachi port.
India has reportedly downed a C-130 J medium lift aircraft, a JF-17 fighter jet, and two F-16 fighters during Operation Sindoor, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) asserting that it possesses evidence of these successful engagements.
New details have emerged regarding India’s precision strikes on Pakistani military installations during the intervening night of May 10, which led Islamabad to urgently seek intervention from the United States for a ceasefire agreement. The Indian Air Force (IAF) executed targeted operations against four significant air bases, successfully neutralising an airborne early warning system and dismantling several air defence systems belonging to the Pakistani forces through highly accurate strikes. This series of actions compelled Islamabad to pursue a truce, as reported by various media outlets.
Additionally, reports indicate that the Indian Navy's fleet, positioned approximately 260 miles off the Makran Coast on the morning of May 10, was prepared to carry out operations aimed at the Karachi Naval Port.
SCALP and BrahMos missiles were deployed in a significant military operation. On May 10, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully targeted and struck four strategically important Pakistani military bases. The operation involved using Rafale-launched SCALP missiles and SU-30 MKI-launched BrahMos missiles, which effectively targeted the northern air command-control network located at Nur Khan airbase in Chaklala. In addition to this, air strikes were also carried out at the Jacobabad and Bholari air bases, further enhancing the operational impact.
AWACS has been successfully neutralised
India reportedly deployed its advanced S-400 air defence system in Adampur to successfully eliminate a Pakistani SAAB-2000 airborne early warning system. Significantly, the target was operating 315 kilometres deep within Pakistani airspace. The S-400 engaged and destroyed it with ease, given that Pakistan’s air defence systems had already been rendered ineffective and incapacitated.
Numerous fighter jets have been convincingly reported as destroyed. According to multiple sources, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has compelling evidence indicating that several Pakistani fighter jets were damaged both in the air and on the ground during recent operations. India is said to have successfully downed one C-130 J medium lift aircraft, a JF-17, and two F-16 fighters, with some of these incidents occurring in the air while others took place on the ground.
China’s prized HQ-9 has reportedly been destroyed. According to various sources, China’s HQ-9, considered a more economical version of Russia’s S-300 system, emerged as a primary target for India during the military strikes conducted on May 10. In these operations, missiles were successfully deployed to strike the HQ-9 located at Malir in Karachi. At the same time, a HARPY kamikaze drone was utilised to effectively destroy a Chinese-made LY-80 air defence system situated in Lahore.
The Navy was preparing to target Karachi Naval Port.
On the morning of May 10, the Indian Navy was fully prepared to launch an attack on Karachi Naval Port, with its ships strategically positioned 260 miles off the Makran Coast. In response, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) issued a stern warning that if India proceeded to use BrahMos missiles to strike the port facilities, Pakistan would retaliate decisively.
Despite this serious threat, India's military and political leaders remained resolute and unfazed by the warning. By the afternoon of the same day, the Pakistani DGMO found himself in a position where he was requesting a no-attack agreement to avoid further escalation. At 1:00 AM on May 10, Pakistan initiated an operation named Bunyan al-Marsoos, with the objective of crippling Indian air bases within a 48-hour timeframe, based on intercepted communications. However, this operation was abruptly halted by 9:30 AM as India mounted a strong and effective response, which compelled Pakistan to seek a ceasefire, according to various sources.
