The conflict broke out after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, marking the widest cross-border battle between nuclear-weapon neighbors in half a century. Both sides fired missiles and penetrated drones deep into each other’s territory. However, as the dust settles, what remains is not speech, but proof of space.
“The four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan is the widest battle in half a century between two nuclear-weapon countries. As both sides use drones and missiles to test each other’s air defense facilities and hit the military facilities, they claim to have caused serious damage.”
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Pakistan’s key air force watches are accurately damaged by India
One of the most important hits is Nur Khan Airbase, located within 15 miles of Pakistan’s Army Headquarters and the Prime Minister’s Office. The base is also close to the Strategic Planning Division, which is responsible for Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. India targets the main infrastructure of the site, satellite images confirm the damage to the on-site buildings.
Another noteworthy strike took place at Bholari Air Force Base, about 100 miles from Karachi. Indian officials claimed they hit the aircraft hangar with precisely guided ammunition. According to the NYT report, “the visual effect is obviously harmful to what looks like a hangar.” The Indian military also reported a precise attack on the runway by the Sargodha Air Base in Punjab Province. The report added: “Satellite images of the locations where Pakistan claimed to be hit are limited, and so far, the Pakistan strike has not clearly shown damage even at bases with some evidence of military operations.” On May 10, Pakistan itself issued a notice to the pilot (Notam) saying the runway was non-operating, an indirect confirmation of the Indian strike.
“India seems to have a clear advantage in its targeting Pakistan’s military facilities and airports, as the latter’s combat shifts from symbolic strikes and force to attacks on each other’s defensive capabilities,” SUNY said.
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Pakistan claims to be inconsistent with satellite evidence
By contrast, Pakistan’s facilities claiming that India’s paralyzed seem to be exaggerated. Pakistani military said it has targeted more than twenty Indian sites, including Udhampl Air Force Base. However, the New York Times noted that the May 12 image “appears to show no damage.”
Although India acknowledged limited losses at four locations, it has not been elaborated on in detail. Pakistani media also claimed to have been vandalized in Udhampur, with an Indian soldier reportedly dead. Still, satellite photos show little physical evidence of such results.
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Sindoor Action: Calculated Indian Response
India’s campaign, known as Operation Sindoor, began on May 7, with a targeted strike in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strikes are a direct response to the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. Indian officials said they targeted specifically infrastructure related to terrorist clothing.
In the days that followed, Pakistan tried to strike the Indian military devices with drones and missiles. The attacks took place on May 8, 9 and 10, and were largely intercepted or neutralized by India’s air defense systems. India’s response was to launch a retaliatory attack on Pakistani facilities, including the bases of Rafiki, Murid, Chakrala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukr and Junian. Pasrur and Sialkot radar stations were also hit.
Satellite evidence further suggests that most of the structural damage during this conflict took place at the Pakistani ruins, confirming India’s claim to successful operations.
The two countries agreed to agree to a ceasefire on May 10 after the Director-General of Pakistan’s Military Operations and his Indian counterparts reached out. However, human costs are undeniable. India confirmed the losses of five soldiers, while Pakistan reported 11 deaths. Although officials have not confirmed the full extent of the losses, India has also lost at least two aircraft.
“The examination of satellite images shows that while the attacks are widespread, the damage goes far beyond the so-called attacks and is mainly caused by India on Pakistani facilities,” NYT said.
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The transformation of high-tech war
The conflict marked a turning point in the nature of regional warfare. Satellite images used to be mainly used in intelligence and now play a central role in post-conflict verification. The visual clarity of Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs shows that the damage is real, but not equal.
India’s strikes are calculated and limited in scope, but are more efficient. By contrast, Pakistan’s counterclaim is dramatic but cannot be supported by the corresponding visual data.
“In a new era of high-tech warfare, the report said that the strikes on both sides were image-verified and seemed targeted.”
This technological transparency changes the way conflict is judged – not only based on what the state says, but also what the sky can see.
