IAF destroyed Pak's JF-17, 2 F-16s, AWACS, C-130J and HQ-9; Navy was about to hit Karachi port: Report
More details have emerged about India’s precision strikes on Pakistani military installations on the intervening night of May 10, which forced Islamabad to urgently seek US intervention for a ceasefire pact.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) targeted four air bases, took out an airborne early warning system and neutralised several air defences of the Pakistani forces with precision strikes, forcing Islamabad to seek a truce, Hindustan Times has reported.
The paper also reported that the Indian Navy looked ready to target Karachi Naval Port on May 10 morning with its armada moving 260 miles off Makaran Coast.
SCALP and BrahMos missiles used
On May 10, the IAF struck four Pakistani bases. Rafale-launched SCALP missiles and SU-30 MKI-launched Brahmos missiles hit the northern air command-control network at Nur Khan airbase in Chaklala.
Air strikes were also carried out at Jacobabad and Bholari air bases.
AWACS destroyed
India reportedly used its S-400 air defence system in Adampur to destroy a Pakistani SAAB-2000 airborne early warning system.
Notably, the target was flying 315 kilometres deep into Pakistan. The S-400 took it out easily as Pakistan’s air defence systems had already been paralysed.
Several fighter jets destroyed
According to the sources quoted by Hindustan Times, the IAF has proof showing that several Pakistani fighter jets were destroyed in air as well on ground.
India reportedly downed one C-130 J medium lift aircraft, a JF-17 and two F-16 fighters on ground and in the air.
China’s prized HQ-9 destroyed
The sources said China’s HQ-9, a cheaper version of Russia’s S-300, became India’s prime target in May 10 strikes.
While missiles were used to hit HQ-9 at Malir in Karachi, a HARPY kamikaze drone was used to destroy Chinese-made LY-80 air defence system in Lahore.
Navy was about to target Karachi Naval port
On the morning of May 10, the Indian Navy was ready to attack Karachi Naval Port, with its ships positioned 260 miles off the Makaran Coast. However, Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) warned that if India used Brahmos missiles to strike the port, Pakistan would hit back.
Despite this threat, India's military and political leaders remained unfazed. By the afternoon, the Pakistani DGMO was asking for a no-attack agreement.
Pakistan launched an operation called Bunyan al-Marsoos at 1:00 AM on May 10, aiming to destroy Indian air bases within 48 hours, according to intercepted communications. However, the operation ended by 9:30 AM as India responded strongly, forcing Pakistan to ask for a ceasefire, sources said.
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