Air Marshal Masood Akhtar Admits BrahMos Strikes on Air Base
BrahMos Missile test firing (Image credit X.com)
Viral Video of Ex-Pakistani Air Marshal Masood Akhtar Admits BrahMos Strikes on Air Base Sparks Outrage and Debate
By TRH News Desk
NEW DELHI, May 16, 2025 – A video clip featuring retired Pakistani Air Marshal Masood Akhtar has gone viral, igniting a firestorm of controversy and debate across Pakistani media and social platforms.
In the clip, Akhtar candidly admits that four BrahMos missiles, fired by Indian forces during Operation Sindoor, struck a Pakistani air base, causing significant damage, including to an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.
The admission, made during a television interview, contradicts Pakistan’s official narrative. The video, which surfaced on social media platforms like X and YouTube, shows Akhtar stating, “They [Indian forces] fired four back-to-back BrahMos missiles—surface-to-surface or air-to-surface, I’m not sure. The pilots rushed to secure their aircraft, but the missiles kept coming, and unfortunately, the fourth one hit the hangar at Bholari [airbase], where one of our AWACS was standing.”
This revelation has been seized upon by Indian media and analysts as confirmation of the effectiveness of India’s precision strikes, conducted in retaliation for a terror attack in Pahalgam.
Pakistani media outlets have been quick to respond, with a mix of outrage, embarrassment, and calls for accountability. Dawn reported, “The admission by Air Marshal Akhtar has caused a stir, with many questioning the military’s initial downplaying of the damage. The Bholari airbase, a critical asset, was reportedly hit, raising concerns about the readiness and response of Pakistan’s air defence systems.”
The Express Tribune noted, “Akhtar’s comments have exposed a rift between the military’s public stance and the reality on the ground. The video’s virality has forced a re-evaluation of Pakistan’s narrative regarding the Indian strikes.”
Geo News, in an editorial, stated, “While Akhtar’s admission might be seen as a moment of honesty, it has also embarrassed the military establishment. The timing, amidst ongoing tensions, could not be worse, as it undermines Pakistan’s position in the eyes of its allies and the international community.”
The outlet highlighted the potential impact on Pakistan’s diplomatic relations, especially with countries that have been critical of India’s actions.
The video has sparked a robust discussion on X, with experts and analysts offering a range of perspectives. @PakDefenceWatch, a verified account focusing on Pakistani military affairs, tweeted, “Air Marshal Akhtar’s admission is a blow to the military’s credibility. The Bholari strike, if confirmed, indicates a significant lapse in air defence. This needs a thorough investigation.”
Another user, @GeoPolExpertPK, noted, “Akhtar’s comments, whether intentional or not, have shifted the narrative. Pakistan’s attempt to downplay the damage is now under scrutiny, and this could affect future military planning.”
Pakistani commentators, however, expressed concern over the implications. @PeaceAdvocatePK
wrote, “Akhtar’s admission, while factual, is untimely. It risks escalating tensions further and could be exploited by Indian media. The focus should be on de-escalation, not on admitting weaknesses.”
Another user, @MilitaryHistorian, cautioned, “The Bholari strike, as described by Akhtar, highlights a critical gap in Pakistan’s air defence. This needs urgent attention, not just public debate.”
Operation Sindoor, conducted by Indian forces in early May 2025, targeted key Pakistani military installations, including Bholari airbase, in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam. The strikes, involving BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, were part of India’s broader strategy to counter cross-border terrorism and assert its military capabilities.
Pakistan initially downplayed the damage, claiming minimal impact, but Akhtar’s admission has contradicted this narrative.
The BrahMos missile, a joint Indo-Russian project, is known for its speed and precision, making it a formidable weapon in modern warfare. The targeting of an AWACS aircraft, a critical asset for surveillance and early warning, underscores the strategic nature of the strikes.
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