In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has firmly refuted claims originating from Pakistan regarding purported damage to its S-400 air defense systems. These claims emerged amidst heightened military activity along the Line of Control (LoC), characterized by cross-border strikes and drone interceptions.

Defense officials have confirmed that the S-400 "Sudarshan Chakra" system was actively deployed on the night of May 7-8, when Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks targeting multiple Indian cities. The S-400 successfully intercepted numerous aerial threats, providing tangible proof of the thwarted assault. The IAF's deployment of the S-400 marks its first combat use in Indian hands.

The Indian government has debunked the misinformation, clarifying that images circulating online, allegedly showing damage to the S-400, are actually from a 2023 fire at a military site in Moscow. It was also clarified that old videos were being falsely circulated by Pakistan-based handles alleging strikes on a military base in Amritsar. The government's fact-check unit has debunked these videos.

These recent events are occurring in the context of Operation Sindoor, a strategic military response initiated by India following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. This operation has targeted multiple sites associated with terrorist groups. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has stated that India is acting in self-defense and in accordance with international law, with the objective of ensuring the safety of its citizens and the sovereignty of its territory.

Tensions further escalated after India downed a Pakistani JF-17 fighter jet near Pampore in Jammu & Kashmir on May 6, following what officials described as a "blatant attempt" to breach Indian airspace. Pakistan has confirmed that Indian missile strikes impacted areas in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bahawalpur, leading to retaliatory shelling across the LoC in Poonch and Rajouri.

The S-400 missile system is considered the most powerful weapon in the Indian Air Force fleet. It can track aerial threats up to 600 km away and intercept fighter jets, ballistic missiles, and drones, making it a vital part of India’s security. The S-400, which has four kinds of missiles to intercept targets at ranges of 120, 200, 250 and 380km, by far outclasses the HQ-9. It is crucial to India's air defence coverage and is fully plugged into IAF's integrated air command and control system (IACCS).

India has so far deployed four squadrons of the S-400 system to cover key regions including Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The remaining two S-400 squadrons are expected by August 2026.