While briefing on how India avenged the deaths of 26 lives during Pahalgam attack, Air Marshal AK Bharti said that after thorough target system analysis, the IAF executed precision strikes using air-to-surface guided munitions to ensure effective engagement and minimal collateral damage.
“Of the nine designated targets, the Indian Air Force was assigned the notorious terrorist training camps in Bahawalpur and Muridke, both located deeper within Pakistani territory. After thorough target system analysis, we executed precision strikes using air-to-surface guided munitions to ensure effective engagement and minimal collateral damage," said Air Marshal AK Bharti.
Map of Muridke Camp:
Map of Bahwalpur camp:
How the targets were selected?
"A decision was taken to strike where it would hurt and towards that in a swift, coordinated, calibrated attack, we stuck its Air bases, command centers, military infrastructure, air defence systems across the entire Western Front. The bases we stuck includes Chaklala, Rafiq, Rahim Yar Khan, sending a clear message that aggression will not be tolerated. This was followed by strikes at Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad," said Bharti.
Pakistan launched its own military operation Operation Bunyanun Marsoos, targeting several key bases in India. Reports suggest that around 300-400 drones were used in the attack, targeting 36 Indian locations, including military bases and religious sites.
The drones were reportedly of Turkish origin, specifically Asisguard Songar drones. India responded with precision strikes on Pakistani air defense sites, including military installations and surveillance radar sites in Lahore and Gujranwala.
What happened on May 8, 9?
""On the night of 8th and 9th, starting as early as 22:30 hours, our cities had a mass raid of drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, starting right from Srinagar going right up to Naliya...We were prepared and our air defence preparedness ensured that there was no damage on the ground or to any of the intended targets that the enemy had planned for...In a measured and calibrated response, we once again targeted the military installations, surveillance radar sites at Lahore and Gujranwala...Drone attacks continued till morning which we countered," said Air Marshal AK Bharti.
How Pakistani allowing civilian aircraft posed threat to India?
Bharti highlighted that Pakistan allowed civilian aircraft to fly out of Lahore during the drone attacks, including international passenger aircraft, which posed a significant challenge for India's response.
"While the drone attacks were being launched from somewhere closer to Lahore, the enemy had allowed their civilian aircraft also to continue to fly out of Lahore, not only their own aircafts but also international passenger aircaft which is quite insensitive and we had to exercise extreme caution...," he added.
According to Bharti, the methods chosen had the desired effects, but the primary aim wasn't to inflict casualties. Instead, the focus was on hitting targets accurately, leaving the enemy to assess their losses.
"Whatever methods and whatever means we have chosen, it had the desired effects on the enemy targets. How many casualties? How many injuries? Our aim was not to inflict casualties, but in case there have been, it is for them to count. Our job is to hit the target, not to count the body bags," he added.
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Map of Muridke Camp:
Map of Bahwalpur camp:
How the targets were selected?
"A decision was taken to strike where it would hurt and towards that in a swift, coordinated, calibrated attack, we stuck its Air bases, command centers, military infrastructure, air defence systems across the entire Western Front. The bases we stuck includes Chaklala, Rafiq, Rahim Yar Khan, sending a clear message that aggression will not be tolerated. This was followed by strikes at Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad," said Bharti.
Pakistan launched its own military operation Operation Bunyanun Marsoos, targeting several key bases in India. Reports suggest that around 300-400 drones were used in the attack, targeting 36 Indian locations, including military bases and religious sites.
The drones were reportedly of Turkish origin, specifically Asisguard Songar drones. India responded with precision strikes on Pakistani air defense sites, including military installations and surveillance radar sites in Lahore and Gujranwala.
What happened on May 8, 9?
""On the night of 8th and 9th, starting as early as 22:30 hours, our cities had a mass raid of drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, starting right from Srinagar going right up to Naliya...We were prepared and our air defence preparedness ensured that there was no damage on the ground or to any of the intended targets that the enemy had planned for...In a measured and calibrated response, we once again targeted the military installations, surveillance radar sites at Lahore and Gujranwala...Drone attacks continued till morning which we countered," said Air Marshal AK Bharti.
How Pakistani allowing civilian aircraft posed threat to India?
Bharti highlighted that Pakistan allowed civilian aircraft to fly out of Lahore during the drone attacks, including international passenger aircraft, which posed a significant challenge for India's response.
"While the drone attacks were being launched from somewhere closer to Lahore, the enemy had allowed their civilian aircraft also to continue to fly out of Lahore, not only their own aircafts but also international passenger aircaft which is quite insensitive and we had to exercise extreme caution...," he added.
According to Bharti, the methods chosen had the desired effects, but the primary aim wasn't to inflict casualties. Instead, the focus was on hitting targets accurately, leaving the enemy to assess their losses.
"Whatever methods and whatever means we have chosen, it had the desired effects on the enemy targets. How many casualties? How many injuries? Our aim was not to inflict casualties, but in case there have been, it is for them to count. Our job is to hit the target, not to count the body bags," he added.
