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Nur Khan Airbase: Why Rawalpindi's key World War II-era base is important, as Pakistan claims India attacked with missiles

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ET OnlineLast Updated: May 10, 2025, 10:11:00 AM IST

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Nur Khan Airbase: Tensions escalate as the Indian Army reportedly strikes Pakistani airbases. The action follows alleged drone and projectile attacks into Indian territory. Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, a key logistical center, was among the targets. This base has historical significance, previously serving as RAF Station Chaklala. It also supported US operations in Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s military has said that the Indian Army launched a missile strike late at night on three of its airbases, including the strategically important Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi. This statement came after Pakistan allegedly fired drones and projectiles into Indian territory, reportedly targeting both military positions and civilian locations.

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The reported strike on Nur Khan Airbase marks a significant moment in the ongoing tensions between the two countries. The base, located in Rawalpindi, serves as a major logistical and strategic centre for the Pakistan Air Force.

Nur Khan Airbase: a key military installation

Nur Khan Airbase, previously called RAF Station Chaklala, is located in Chaklala, a suburb of Rawalpindi in Pakistan’s Punjab province. Built during British colonial rule, the airbase was actively used during the Second World War for Allied parachute training.

In the decades that followed, the airbase evolved into one of Pakistan’s main transport and logistics facilities. Until recently, it also housed the Benazir Bhutto International Airport before airport operations were moved to the new Islamabad International Airport.

Past presence of US military

After the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, the United States deployed around 300 military personnel along with helicopters and cargo planes to the Chaklala base to assist with humanitarian operations. Reports also suggest that since late 2001, the base played a key role in supporting US operations in Afghanistan. Its close location to Islamabad helped with logistics and intelligence coordination during the War on Terror.

In 2009, the airbase received an Il-78 aerial refuelling aircraft, making it vital to Pakistan’s extended-range air missions. This addition led to the formation of the No. 10 MRTT Squadron. In 2012, the base was renamed PAF Base Nur Khan in honour of Air Marshal Malik Nur Khan, its first base commander and former Chief of Air Staff. He is recognised for modernising the Pakistan Air Force during the 1960s.

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