IAF Denies Targeting Pakistan’s Nuclear-Linked Kirana Hills

New Delhi, 12th May 2025: Air Marshal AK Bharti on May 12 categorically denied reports that the Indian Air Force struck the Kirana Hills in Pakistan’s Punjab province — an area long speculated to house elements of Islamabad’s nuclear arsenal.

Speaking at a joint briefing by the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), Bharti stated, “The Indian Air Force is neither aware of what is there nor did it target it.”

In a strong, coordinated military response to escalating cross-border terror threats, India has successfully executed Operation Sindoor, a multi-dimensional strike targeting terror infrastructure across the western border. Senior commanders from the Army, Air Force, and Navy briefed the media on the operation’s success and reaffirmed the nation’s high state of preparedness.

Air Defence Systems Thwart Aerial Threats from Pakistan
Air Marshal A.K. Bharti announced that the Indian Air Force (IAF) had deployed a robust combination of air defense systems—including Pechora, OSA-AK, and AD Gun Systems—integrated under the advanced Vantage Air Defence System. These systems proved instrumental in neutralizing enemy drones, missiles, and aircraft with high accuracy.

A major highlight of the operation was the use of the Akash missile system, developed indigenously, which successfully intercepted and destroyed hostile aerial objects. Notably, Indian defenses neutralized a PL-15 missile, a Chinese-origin weapon, mid-air—demonstrating the precision and readiness of India’s anti-aircraft capabilities.

“In this operation, we showcased both technological superiority and the exceptional skill of our personnel,” said Air Marshal Bharti, presenting evidence of craters formed by intercepted threats.

He added, “No threat—whether from Turkey-manufactured drones or other foreign systems—can breach our layered defenses. The last few days have proven that.”

Rahim Khan Air Base and Terror Camps Destroyed
On May 7, Indian forces carried out targeted airstrikes on terror camps while avoiding civilian or unrelated military infrastructure. Among the key targets was the Rahim Khan Air Base, reportedly a hub for launching terror operations. All Pakistani drones launched in response were intercepted and neutralized.
“Pakistan is solely accountable for the consequences of sheltering and supporting terror outfits,” Bharti said.

DGMO: ‘Our Fight is Against Terrorism, Not Civilians’
Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), emphasized that the operation was defensive and carefully focused on terror networks, not the general population or the Pakistani military.

Referring to the Pahalgam attack last month and the 2024 Shivkhori Mandir attack, he called them “cowardly acts against innocent civilians,” and said the response was both necessary and calibrated.

“We did not cross the Line of Control. We anticipated Pakistan’s reaction and strengthened our air defenses in advance. Our multi-layered shield, including cutting-edge counter-air systems, ensured no breach of Indian airspace,” Lt. Gen. Ghai explained.

He also praised the Border Security Force (BSF) for its pivotal role and noted the seamless coordination between India’s three military branches.

Navy: Maritime Shield Ready Across All Domains
Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod highlighted the Navy’s strategic preparedness, noting that the Carrier Battle Group and MiG-29K fleet, supported by early-warning helicopters, maintained full maritime dominance during the operation.

“The Indian Navy’s layered Fleet Air Defence and surveillance network ensures that any aerial threat—whether drone, missile, or fighter jet—is detected, tracked, and neutralized far before it reaches our assets. Our sea power gives us the ability to strike with precision, if and when required,” he said.

India Signals a New Chapter in Counterterror Operations
Military leaders collectively underlined that the target of Operation Sindoor was not Pakistan’s military or civilians, but the state-backed terror infrastructure operating with impunity across the border.

“With evolving technology, warfare is changing rapidly. This conflict was unlike previous ones—our response was precise, controlled, and effective,” said Air Marshal Bharti.

India has reiterated its commitment to peace but remains resolute in its stance: while it will not initiate conflict, it will respond with full force when provoked.
Operation Sindoor marks a new era in India’s counterterrorism approach—swift, coordinated, and unflinchingly focused on neutralizing threats to national security.