Lagatar24 Desk
Rawalpindi/New Delhi: Fresh satellite imagery has revealed reconstruction work underway at Pakistan’s Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, nearly four months after Indian strikes damaged parts of the facility during Operation Sindoor. The base, home to the Pakistan Air Force’s elite No. 12 VVIP Squadron, is used to transport top leaders, including the Prime Minister, President, and service chiefs.
Target of the Strike
According to geo-intelligence researcher Damien Symon of Intel Lab, the Indian strike in May 2025 destroyed specialised military trucks believed to serve as Command and Control (C2) centres, integrating air and ground assets with advanced communications. Secondary damage also affected adjacent structures, which were later demolished due to safety concerns.
Satellite Imagery Confirms Reconstruction
New imagery from US-based Maxar Technologies, obtained by India Today, shows fresh wall sections and groundwork at the previously hit site. Symon noted that the reconstruction closely mirrors the layout of the demolished buildings, underscoring Pakistan’s intent to restore full operational capacity.
VVIP Movements Amid Rebuilding
Earlier this week, two government jets departed Pakistan for Tianjin to attend the SCO summit. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif flew from Lahore on a Gulfstream G450, while Field Marshal Asim Munir departed from Nur Khan aboard a jet stationed just meters from the reconstruction zone. Imagery also showed a Bombardier Global 6000 and a military transport aircraft parked nearby.
Munir has frequently used the Global 6000 for foreign travel while his Gulfstream underwent three months of maintenance in the UK. That jet has since returned, and another Gulfstream, J755, is believed to be based at Nur Khan.
Pakistan’s Response
Sharif has previously confirmed the strike, stating he was informed in real time by Munir: “I got a call at 2:30 on a secure phone from army chief General Syed Asim Munir who informed me that India just now launched ballistic missiles and one of them fell at the Nur Khan Airport.”
Strategic Importance
The reconstruction underscores the airbase’s strategic role, not only as the hub of Pakistan’s VVIP transport squadron but also as a site for sensitive military assets. Analysts say rebuilding is essential for restoring operational resilience at one of Pakistan’s most critical air facilities.
