High tension and rigorous preparations filled the Indian Air Force operations room on the morning of May 10, 2025. Across the border, Pakistan's Bholari airbase was identified as the prime target for a high-stakes aerial operation. The primary objective under Operation Sindoor was to neutralize a specific hangar housing a vital asset of the Pakistan Air Force, the SAAB Erieye Airborne Early Warning and Control jet. Inside the cockpits of Indian fighter aircraft, pilots sat fully prepped with weapons loaded, fuel tanks topped up, and all flight control systems thoroughly verified.
The Strategic Objective at Bholari Airbase
Neutralizing the airborne warning capability was crucial for establishing air dominance. The SAAB Erieye platform positioned at Bholari airbase served as a cornerstone of enemy surveillance and early detection. Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets were designated to carry out the precision strike against this high-value target. Commanders inside the operations control center monitored every system metric, awaiting the exact window to authorize the strike sequence.
The High-Stakes Phone Call and Command Decision
At a critical juncture during the final countdown, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh placed a direct call to the operational headquarters, inquiring about the exact status and location of the fighter jets. Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, then heading the South West Air Command, was fully aware that the pilots had not yet initiated their takeoff run. Recognizing the necessity of preserving operational momentum and adhering to tactical timing, Kapoor made the tactical decision to withhold the exact timing details from the Air Chief during that brief exchange.
Reflecting on the encounter during a subsequent interview, Air Marshal Kapoor declined to characterize his response as a deliberate lie, explaining instead that he chose not to disclose the complete truth at that specific moment to ensure the mission proceeded without delay. This decision stands out as one of the most intriguing tactical choices of Operation Sindoor.
Sukhoi-30MKI Strike and Satellite Confirmation
Following the exchange, the Sukhoi-30MKI jets launched smoothly and executed their mission over the target zone. The aircraft successfully delivered precision munitions onto the designated hangar at Bholari airbase. Subsequent satellite imagery confirmed the extent of the strike, showing a structural breach in the hangar roof alongside scattered debris across the immediate vicinity, validating the destruction of the intended target.
