New Delhi: A Republic Day video released by the Indian Air Force (IAF) has reignited speculation over whether India targeted Pakistan’s nuclear-related facilities during last year’s high-intensity military operation, code-named ‘Operation Sindoor.’
The video, unveiled on January 26, showcases a range of India’s frontline combat aircraft—including Rafale, Sukhoi-30MKI, Jaguar, and Tejas—portrayed as “guardians of peace.” However, certain visuals appearing to depict strikes near Sargodha in Pakistan, a region long associated with sensitive military and nuclear infrastructure, have drawn sharp attention.
This has revived questions over a widely discussed theory from 2025: whether Indian forces struck the Kirana Hills, believed by analysts to be one of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons storage areas.
IAF Reiterates Official Denial
During the peak of Operation Sindoor in May 2025, then Director General of Air Operations, Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, categorically denied any strike on Kirana Hills.
“We did not strike Kirana Hills—whatever may be there,” Bharti had said at the time, responding to media queries.
Following the release of the new video, the IAF has stood by that position. Speaking to The Times of India, IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Jaideep Singh stated, “We continue to adhere to our official statement,” declining further comment.
Imagery, Reports, and Speculation
Speculation last year intensified after satellite imagery from Google Earth, analyzed by geo-intelligence researcher Damien Symon, appeared to show impact marks near a strategically sensitive site in Pakistan. These findings were widely circulated on social media platform X, though no official confirmation followed.
The Republic Day video also includes visuals of strikes on Nur Khan Air Base and other Pakistani military targets, reinforcing India’s message of precision and deterrence.
A recent Swiss strategic assessment reportedly suggested that the scale and accuracy of Indian strikes compelled Pakistan to seek de-escalation during the conflict.
Advanced Weapons on Display
Beyond strategic signaling, the video offered rare glimpses into India’s advanced air-launched weaponry:
- Rafale jets armed with Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles, countering claims that India lacked access to the weapon.
- Sukhoi-30MKI carrying the indigenous Astra air-to-air missile and the BrahMos cruise missile.
- Jaguar strike aircraft equipped with ASRAAM missiles.
- Additional visuals showed HAMMER precision-guided munitions and the Rampage strike missile mounted on Rafales.
Military analysts see the display as a clear message to critics in Pakistan and the West questioning India’s operational capabilities during recent conflicts.
Symbolism and Strategic Messaging
Set against the powerful background score of ‘Mahishasura Mardini,’ the video features a striking “sindoor” formation of fighter jets. A voiceover declares:
“I stand as an unbreakable guardian of peace. Should malicious eyes dare to disturb it, I rise as peace’s uncompromising enforcer—precise, impenetrable, unstoppable.”
While the IAF maintains that no nuclear sites were targeted, the imagery and timing of the video have ensured that Operation Sindoor remains a subject of intense regional and international scrutiny.