Pakistan Activates Southern Airbases Amid Rising Tensions with India
Amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, following the recent terrorist attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, Pakistan has made the decision to activate two strategically important airbases located in the southern region of the country. This move is a direct response to the recent mobilization of Indian military assets along its border, as tensions continue to rise between the two nations.
Both the Swat (Saidu Sharif Airport) and Skardu (Qadri) airbases, located in the southern region of the country, were activated, according to a Pakistani OSINT account. Two squadrons of the Pakistani Air Force were transferred to these airbases. The aim of this move is to assist the Pakistani Navy in countering the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, while also strengthening Pakistan's airspace to prevent any potential incursions by the Indian Air Force.
The Pakistan Air Force stated:
In light of the evolving regional security dynamics, the PAF has activated the Saidu Sharif Airport in Swat as an operational airbase and operationalized the Skardu (Qadri) AFB, as the PAF is poised to project airpower across all fronts.
Pakistani Air Force
Footage shared by Pakistani civilians shows JF-17 and F-16 aircraft, fully armed, flying in the southern skies of the country. The aircraft appear to be on high alert, ready for any potential escalation of hostilities.