Air Marshal AK Bharti on Sunday emphasised India’s military capabilities, saying that the country has the ability to target every system at Pakistan’s military bases.
His remarks came amid heightened tensions between the two nations following Operation Sindoor, a recent Indian military operation that targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The operation involved precision strikes on nine identified sites, including militant camps in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bahawalpur.
Speaking at a press briefing, Air Marshal Bharti said, “We have the capability to target every system at these bases and more. However, this was a measured response intended to instil wisdom in our adversary and discourage further escalation. The IAF’s response was directed solely at military installations, deliberately avoiding civilian areas and collateral damage”.
According to Bharti, Pakistan launched a large-scale drone attack targeting Indian cities, including Srinagar and Naliya, on the night of May 8–9. He said Indian air defence forces were well-prepared and successfully countered the drones, preventing any damage to their intended targets.
“A decision was taken to strike where it would hurt. In a swift, coordinated, and calibrated attack, we struck their air bases, command centres, military infrastructure, and air defence systems across the entire Western Front. The bases we struck include Chaklala, Rafiqi, and Rahim Yar Khan, sending a clear message that aggression will not be tolerated. These were followed by strikes at Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad,” he added.