The Indian Army has released the first video showcasing its S-400 air defense system intercepting a Pakistani Shaheen missile. This event occurred amidst heightened tensions and cross-border exchanges following Operation Sindoor, India's response to a terror attack in Pahalgam. The confirmation of the interception, along with visual evidence, marks a significant moment, highlighting the operational capabilities of India's advanced air defense systems.
The released video, shared by the Western Command of the Indian Army, provides a glimpse into the military actions undertaken during Operation Sindoor. It illustrates missile attacks from Pakistan, which included the use of the Chinese A-100 multiple rocket launcher system, Fatah II missiles, and the Shaheen missile. Pakistan also deployed drones in attacks targeting multiple locations within India. However, according to the Indian Army, all these attacks were successfully intercepted by the S-400 missile defense system.
The Shaheen missile, which Pakistan employed, is a land-based, medium-range ballistic missile capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional payloads. In this instance, it was reportedly equipped with a non-nuclear warhead. Its interception by the S-400 system underscores the latter's capability to neutralize a wide array of aerial threats, ranging from aircraft and cruise missiles to ballistic missiles.
The S-400 Triumf, known as the "Sky Shield," is a Russian-origin, long-range surface-to-air missile system. India acquired five regimental sets of this system in 2018 for approximately $5.5 billion. Deliveries commenced in late 2021, and despite delays due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India anticipates receiving the fourth regiment by the end of 2025 and the fifth by August 2026. The S-400 system comprises missile launchers, a powerful radar, and a command center. It can engage up to 80 aerial targets simultaneously, traveling at speeds of up to Mach 14, and intercept targets at a range of nearly 400 kilometers. It is considered a major threat by NATO members because of its long-range capabilities.
Operation Sindoor was launched by India in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam. It involved strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. This operation led to an escalation of bilateral tensions, with both sides engaging in strikes and counter-strikes. While an agreement was reached to halt firing and military actions, violations occurred shortly thereafter.
The deployment of the S-400 system and its successful interception of the Shaheen missile serve multiple purposes. Firstly, it demonstrates India's commitment to protecting its airspace and strategic assets. Secondly, it acts as a deterrent to potential adversaries, signaling India's readiness to respond to aerial threats. Thirdly, it validates India's multi-layered defense strategy, which combines Russian, indigenous, and Western systems. The Indian Air Force has even renamed the S-400 as "Sudarshan Chakra," symbolizing its capability for swift and precise destruction of aerial threats.
This event also occurs amidst claims from Pakistani Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmad who stated that the Pakistani Air Force had succeeded in destroying components of India's S-400 air defense system during combat operations. These claims were supported by satellite images presented during a briefing. In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur air base, appearing in front of an S-400 launcher, seemingly to refute the claims.
