Explosions Rock 3 Key Pakistani Air Bases- A series of powerful explosions were reported early Saturday across three major Pakistani Air Force (PAF) bases, including the highly strategic Nur Khan Air Base near Islamabad. The blasts, which follow a night of intense cross-border hostilities between India and Pakistan, triggered a swift shutdown of Pakistan’s airspace to all civilian and commercial traffic.
Simultaneously, multiple loud explosions were also heard over Srinagar in Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir in the early hours of Saturday, shortly after India successfully repelled a wave of drone and missile attacks launched by Pakistan targeting critical Indian defence infrastructure.
Blasts at Strategic Pakistani Military Installations
According to reports from Pakistani media and corroborated by defence sources, explosions occurred at three high-value PAF bases: Nur Khan Air Base (Rawalpindi), Murid Air Base (Chakwal), and Rafiqui Air Base (Jhang district, Punjab province). The Nur Khan facility, formerly known as Chaklala Air Base, is located less than 10 kilometres from Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, and adjacent to the General Headquarters (GHQ) of the Pakistani military. It is considered one of the country’s most sensitive installations, serving both air force operations and VIP transport functions.
Eyewitnesses described hearing multiple successive blasts at the Rawalpindi base followed by visible fire and rapid mobilization of emergency and military personnel. Though videos circulating on social media allegedly show sections of the Nur Khan facility engulfed in flames, these visuals remain unverified, and independent confirmation is pending. However, Pakistani officials have acknowledged damage and “military response activity” at the site.
The Three Airbases: Strategic Significance
- Nur Khan Air Base (Rawalpindi): Functions primarily as a logistics and refueling hub and supports military and government VIP transport operations. It houses sensitive command and control infrastructure and lies near the nerve centre of Pakistan’s defence establishment.
- Murid Air Base (Chakwal): This base plays a central role in Pakistan’s UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) programme, hosting a variety of reconnaissance and combat drones. These include the indigenous Shahpar I, NESCOM Burraq (an armed UAV), and the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2, widely used in various modern theatres of war. Notably, Murid has recently operationalized the Akinci-L, a high-altitude, long-endurance armed drone developed by Turkey, enhancing Pakistan’s offensive drone warfare capabilities.
- Rafiqui Air Base (Jhang/Shorkot): A frontline fighter base, home to squadrons flying JF-17 Thunder multirole fighters, French Mirage 5 attack aircraft, and Alouette III helicopters. It plays a key role in quick deployment of air superiority assets and air defence response.
Pakistan Closes Airspace Amid Mounting Tensions
In a direct consequence of the escalating conflict, Pakistan issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) early Saturday morning, declaring its entire airspace closed to civilian and commercial aircraft until further notice. The move is widely seen as a response to both domestic military threats and international pressure following India’s serious accusations.
This follows India’s sharp rebuke of Pakistan’s drone offensive on May 8–9 and its controversial use of civil aviation traffic during active military operations. According to Indian defence officials, over 300 to 400 drones, many identified as Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models, were launched across the northern and western borders, targeting Indian military assets from Leh in the north to Sir Creek in the south.
While many drones were intercepted mid-flight using kinetic interceptors, radar-jamming technologies, and India’s advanced S-400 Triumph, Barak-8, Akash SAM, and indigenous anti-drone systems, India accused Pakistan of using commercial flights as protective shields during these attacks.
India’s Allegations: “Civilian Flights Used as Shields”
At a joint media briefing held Friday evening, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army stated, “Pakistan is using civil airliners as shields, knowing fully well that its attack on India would elicit a swift air defence response. This is not safe for the unsuspecting civil airliners, including international flights flying near the India-Pakistan border.”
She was joined by IAF Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who further underlined the risk to international aviation. Indian radar surveillance reportedly captured flight paths of civil aircraft operating dangerously close to conflict zones, while drone strikes and missile launches were underway.
India termed this a reckless military strategy that endangered lives beyond its borders and highlighted the need for the international community to take notice of such actions that violate airspace norms and conventions.
Srinagar Explosions Add to Tensions
In parallel developments, explosions were reported over Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir early Saturday morning. Though no casualties or damage have been confirmed so far, the activity is under investigation by the Indian armed forces. Preliminary assessments suggest the possibility of residual drone munitions or electronic warfare counteraction detonation, following drone interception by Indian defences.
