A recent report suggests that during India’s “Operation Sindoor” on May 10, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully targeted and destroyed several key Pakistani aircraft and military systems deep inside their territory. This included an early warning aircraft, multiple fighter jets, a transport plane, and important air defense systems, forcing Pakistan to seek a ceasefire.
Report Claims IAF Struck Deep Inside Pakistan During “Operation Sindoor”
According to a report by HT, quoting Indian officials, India’s airstrikes on May 10 were highly effective. During this military action, called “Operation Sindoor,” Indian Air Force (IAF) missiles struck significant Pakistani aircraft and military targets across the border.
IAF Strikes Hit Pakistan Hard and Deep
The report claims that a SAAB-2000 early warning aircraft, which helps detect enemy aircraft from a distance, was destroyed deep inside Pakistan, about 315 kilometers from the border. Indian sources also confirmed that these strikes took down a C-130J transport aircraft, one JF-17 fighter jet, and two F-16 fighter jets, both in the air and on the ground.

“Operation Sindoor” Prompts Quick Pakistani Response
These strikes were part of India’s “Operation Sindoor,” launched in response to earlier tensions. Pakistan tried to respond with its own “Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos,” which began at 1:00 am on May 10 with a plan to target Indian air bases for the next 48 hours. However, this response reportedly ended within just eight hours.
Indian airstrikes, carried out by Rafale and Su-30MKI aircraft using powerful SCALP and BrahMos missiles, disrupted Pakistan’s operations. According to sources familiar with the matter, these actions forced Pakistan to seek a ceasefire by contacting the United States by 9:30 am.
Indian S-400 System Used 11 Times
India’s advanced S-400 air defense system, stationed in Adampur, was activated 11 times during the operation. One of its confirmed successes was the destruction of the Pakistani SAAB-2000 early warning aircraft, which was flying hundreds of kilometers inside Pakistan’s airspace.
Multiple Pakistani Air Bases Targeted
The first IAF strike reportedly disabled the northern air command-control network at the Nur Khan airbase in Chaklala. The final wave of strikes hit Jacobabad and Bholari airbases. By this time, Pakistan had stopped active fighting and was requesting a ceasefire.
Key Pakistani Defense Systems Disabled
On May 10, Indian missiles also destroyed a Chinese-supplied LY-80 air defense system in Lahore using a HARPY kamikaze drone (a drone designed to crash into its target). Another strike took out the HQ-9 surface-to-air system, which is a Chinese version of the S-300, in Malir, Karachi.
Earlier Strikes Targeted Terror Camps
Before the May 10 operation, Indian forces had already targeted nine terrorist camps on May 7. Seven of these were hit using special “loitering munitions” (drones that can hover and then attack) by the Army, Air Force, and Navy. Important targets in Muridke and Bahawalpur were struck with great accuracy using SCALP and BrahMos missiles.
Indian Navy Positioned Off Makran Coast
The Indian Navy was ready to strike the Karachi Naval Port on the morning of May 10, with warships positioned about 260 miles off the Makran Coast. However, after a warning from Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) about possible retaliation, India held back. Later that day, the Pakistani DGMO requested a “no-fire pact,” meaning an agreement to stop fighting.
Local Relief Efforts (National Security Context): While this news highlights military actions, it also underlines the importance of a strong national defense for the safety and security of citizens. In India, ongoing efforts to strengthen the armed forces, develop indigenous defense technology, and enhance intelligence gathering capabilities directly contribute to maintaining peace and protecting the nation’s borders. These actions ultimately ensure a stable environment for citizens and enable various developmental and relief efforts to continue unhindered across the country.
Editor’s Note: This article has been adapted from an Associated Press news report titled “IAF missiles shot down JF-17 Thunder, AWACS flying 300 km inside Pakistan, two F-16s, and a C-130J during Operation Sindoor: Report,” published on May 24, 2025.
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