Rahim Khan Airbase Remains Inoperative Two Months Post Operation Sindoor

Two months after the precision strikes of Operation Sindoor, initiated by India on May 10, 2025, the Rahim Khan Airbase in Pakistan remains non-functional, according to Anurag Thakur, a Member of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). During a parliamentary debate on July 28, 2025, Thakur emphasized the operational impact of India's military action, stating, "Ask Pakistan how catastrophic our Indian missiles were. It's been more than two months, but Rahim Khan Airbase is still non-functional."

Operation Sindoor was executed as a tactical response to retaliatory shelling by Pakistan across the border. The strikes targeted eight bases of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), severely damaging the runway of the Rahim Khan base, which shares its infrastructure with Sheikh Zayed International Airport, a facility named after the first President of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who funded its construction.

In addition to Rahim Khan, other bases affected included PAF base Nur Khan in Rawalpindi, PAF base in Sukkur, PAF base Murid in Chakwal, PAF base Shahbaz in Jacobabad, PAF base Mushaf in Sargodha, PAF base Rafiqui in Shorkot, and PAF base Bholari in Jamshoro. The operational status of these bases has raised questions about Pakistan's military readiness and capability in the region.

Thakur's statements come amid ongoing discussions regarding national security and military strategy in India. He criticized the opposition for allegedly downplaying the significance of the operation, asserting, "There are so many big advocates of Pakistan in the Congress party today that Pakistan defends itself later, and Congress leaders come to defend them." He referenced comments made by opposition leaders, framing them as sympathetic to Pakistan's narrative against India.

The ramifications of Operation Sindoor are multifaceted. Militarily, the damage inflicted upon the Rahim Khan Airbase represents a significant setback for the PAF, which has historically relied on this base for rapid military deployment in the region. Economically, the halt in operations not only affects military logistics but also the civilian flights at Sheikh Zayed International Airport, potentially disrupting economic activities in the Rahim Yar Khan area.

Experts suggest that the ongoing dysfunction of the Rahim Khan Airbase could lead to increased tensions between India and Pakistan, as military vulnerabilities may prompt Pakistan to seek alternative strategies to bolster its defense posture. Dr. Muhammad Ali, a defense analyst at the Institute for Strategic Studies Islamabad, remarked, "The prolonged inoperability of such a critical base may compel Pakistan to reassess its military deployments and alliances."

The geopolitical implications of Operation Sindoor extend beyond bilateral military engagements. As both nations navigate through heightened tensions, the risk of miscalculations or escalatory actions remains a pressing concern. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a political scientist at the University of California, Berkeley, noted in her 2023 paper published in the Journal of International Relations, "The dynamics of deterrence and military preparedness in South Asia must be approached cautiously, especially given the nuclear capabilities of both nations."

Looking forward, analysts predict that the operational challenges faced by the Rahim Khan Airbase may influence Pakistan's military strategy and defense spending. Furthermore, as both nations engage in a rhetoric-laden discourse, the need for diplomatic interventions becomes ever more critical. The international community, including organizations like the United Nations, may need to play a role in moderating these tensions to prevent further escalation.

In conclusion, the ongoing situation at the Rahim Khan Airbase serves as a reminder of the fragile balance of power in South Asia. The implications of Operation Sindoor will likely resonate well into the future, as both India and Pakistan navigate the complexities of military readiness, economic stability, and diplomatic relations.