Operation Sindoor is the code-name of the military operations against Pakistani terror camps and later Pakistani Armed Forces to ensure the end of known cross-border terror camps and the elimination of external support to them from the Pakistani Armed Forces.
The operation resulted in the elimination of 9 Pakistan-based terror camps and 11 Pakistani Airforce bases, at least 8 F-16s, at least one Mirage 3 or Mirage 5, two Saab AWACS and a possible hit on Pakistani Nuclear Weapons believed to be stored inside Kirana Hills.
The operation was a planned response to the massacre of 26 civilians in Indian tourist town of Pahalgam on 26 April 2025 by a Jaish e Mohammad-backed terror group called The Resistance Front.
Table of Contents
Summary
- Pakistan-sponsored terrorists massacre 25 Indian and one Nepali tourists on 26 April after confirming they are Hindus.
- India retaliates by striking 11 terror camps on 6 May and 9 military installations by 10 May.
- Pakistan escalates by attacking Indian civilian and military installations.
- India and Pakistan engage each other via drones, artillery, missile and fighter aircrafts.
- India damages 11 Pakistani aircrafts and several missiles and drones.
- Ceasefire is reached on 10 May.
The Order of Events
The Pahalgam Massacre
On 26 April 2025, at least 4 terrorists from the Jaish e Mohammad cultivated terror group “The Resistant Front” massacred 26 Indian and one Nepali citizen after asking them to recite the kalma (a basic Islamic prayer).
All massacred citizens were men and women were and children were left alive and asked to tell the tale to “Modi”. This was reported by the family of Manjunath, one of the victims.
The terror incident sparked a wide outrage in the nation and the demand for a tit-for-tat response was high in the country.
Indian Attack on Pak-based Terror Camps
India took its own time to prepare for the anti-terror attack while anticipating a response from Pakistan just like in the 2019 Balakot strikes.
On 6 May 2025, 9 Pakistani terror camps were hit with missiles, aircraft and drones.
- Bahawalpur JeM HQ
- Muridke LeT camp
- Gulpur LoC Poonch-Rajauri
- Sawai POJK LeT camp
- Bilal camp JeM launchpad
- Kotli LeT camp
- Barnala camp
- Sarjal JeM camp
- Mehmoona Hizbul camp.
Escalation of Conflict
The attack on terror bases operated by designated terrorists was termed as an attack on Pakistani civilians and religious structures by Pakistan government and armed forces.
Conflict Between 6 and 10 May
Pakistan responded with drone, missile and fighter jet attacks on Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur and Bhuj airbases, which sustained some damage but largely unaffected. Sirsa and Suratgarh runways were intact and undamaged in the attacks.
Pakistan also made claims of eliminating an S400 airbase in Adampur, but the visit of PM Narendra Modi to these bases eliminated the doubts. A few S400 batteries could be spotted in the background.
Indians engaged a few Pakistani airbases and military installations in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian. A few radar sites were also destroyed in Pasrur and Sialkot aviation base.
Overall Pakistani claims were 4 Rafales, 1 Mirage 2000 and one Sukhoi 30MKI. However, at the end of the press briefing by Director Generals of respective armed forces, it was confirmed that no pilot was lost during conflict.
It is highly likely that the engaged targets as claimed by Pakistanis were indeed Lakshya Drones which were being used as decoys. Lakshya are target practice drones used by the Indian Air Force.
Loss Assessment
Pakistan lost at least 8 F16s, one Saab 2000 Erieye AWACS, one Il-78 refueller and one C130J heavy lift aircraft. Indian losses remain unconfirmed.
Pakistan
The Pakistan Air Force lost at least 6 Pak Air Force planes in air (four F16s, Saab 2000 AWACS and one IL-78 Refueller) and 5 aircraft on the ground (4 F16 and one C130) as reported by Wg Cmdr Satyam Kushwaha.
India
Later, CDS Anil Chauhan in the Shangri La Dialogue indicated that there might be at least one aircraft lost of the Indian Air Force. Still, the nature of the aircraft remains unknown on whether it was a drone or a fighter jet.
Possible Nuclear Spillage
The IAF had made a confirmed hit on the Kirana Hills despite disowning the fact in its press conference.
Kirana Hills complex is a part of Noor Khan Airbase complex which reportedly hosts (or hosted till May 10, 2025) the nuclear command of Pakistan.
When these bases were hit, Pakistan suspected of nuclear spillage inside the hills and in surrounding regions. The proof of a nuclear spillage emerges from further circumstantial evidence that
- there were a few villages near the Kirana Hills complex that were asked to evacuate.
- unexpected seismic activity was witnessed on the same day of the Noor Khan base attacks.
- Boron-10 compounds were ordered from international sources (reportedly Egypt) to contain the thermal neutrons which could trigger a critical chain reaction.
- finally, a nuclear spill detection system (onboard a
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fighter jets has Pakistan lost in Operation Sindoor?
Pakistan has lost 4 F16s in combat and 4 on ground attacks by the Indian Air Force.
Which missile was used in Operation Sindoor?
From Indian side, Brahmos cruise missiles were used to target Pak military installations. Usage of other missiles in unknown for offensive role.
How many F16s does Pakistan have?
Before operation Sindoor, Pakistan had around 75-78 F16s, which should be now between 65-70 jets.
Which is the Strongest Fighter Jet of India?
Dassault Rafale is considered to be the strongest among Indian fighter jets.
Which is better JF-17 or Rafale?
JF-17 is a single engine aircraft suitable for interceptor role while Rafale is a multirole aircraft with a much smaller radar cross section, much higher target engagement capacity, much longer kill range, etc.
