Renowned aviation historian and analyst Tom Cooper has made striking claims about India’s actions during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. In an interview with NDTV, he alleged that the Indian Air Force (IAF) targeted Pakistan’s secretive Kirana Hills nuclear facility, sending a clear strategic warning to Islamabad.

Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April 2025. On the night of 6–7 May, Indian forces struck nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), aiming to dismantle terror networks linked to the attack. Pakistan retaliated with attempted strikes on Indian targets, but the IAF’s air defence systems thwarted them. Escalation peaked on 9–10 May when the IAF attacked 11 Pakistani air bases, crippling operational capability.

Cooper, known for his expertise in aerial warfare, claimed the campaign extended to Kirana Hills, a site long suspected of housing Pakistan’s underground nuclear storage. He described the strike as a calculated signal of dominance without causing catastrophic damage. According to him, IAF jets first neutralised radar stations, paving the way for precision strikes on at least two entrances to the complex.

“It’s a place you hit to send a clear message without causing too much damage,” Cooper said, adding that India’s intent was to warn Pakistan that it could strike high-value targets at will. Cooper cited viral videos showing missile impacts and smoke rising from the hillside, including an alleged strike on Pakistan’s 4091st Squadron radar station.

Following the strike, Pakistan’s DGMO reportedly contacted India’s counterpart on 10 May to request a ceasefire and also sought U.S. mediation. Cooper suggested the sequence of events clearly indicated Pakistan’s urgency to halt the conflict. The IAF has officially denied targeting Kirana Hills, asserting strikes were limited to terror camps and air bases, dismissing circulating videos as fabrications. Cooper criticized this denial, noting that even IAF officials had avoided answering questions about the site publicly.

Kirana Hills in Sargodha has long been monitored as a potential nuclear facility with tunnels for warheads, fissile material, and missiles, protected by strong air defences. Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s advanced capabilities in stand-off munitions and electronic warfare, including BrahMos and Spice-2000 systems. Cooper claims additional evidence—seismic data, thermal imagery, and intercepted communications—aligns with IAF sortie timings. Pakistan has provided limited information on Kirana Hills, attributing blasts to defensive fires. The ceasefire held after DGMO-level talks, with both sides claiming success. India hailed the operation as a decisive blow against cross-border terrorism, while Pakistan framed it as repelled aggression.

Cooper’s claims reignite debate over India’s strategic boldness in confronting Pakistan’s nuclear assets. While sceptics call for caution due to lack of official confirmation, Cooper’s track record lends credibility. Operation Sindoor underscores India’s growing operational maturity and signals its capacity to project power even beyond visible strikes.