IAF’s S‑400 System Shot Down 5 Pakistani Fighter Jets in Operation Sindoor

Speaking at a press briefing at Bengaluru, Air Chief Marshal Singh stated that the S-400 system, procured from Russia, was successfully deployed during the May operations and intercepted the Pakistani jets with precision. He called the system a "game changer" and noted that one of the interceptions was achieved at a range of nearly 300 kilometres, setting what is believed to be the longest-ever recorded surface-to-air missile strike.

Beyond aerial shoot‑downs, ACM Singh said the strikes also targeted key Pakistani military infrastructure. At Shahbaz Jacobabad Air Base, an F‑16 hangar was heavily damaged—half of it destroyed—presumably affecting aircraft under maintenance. Additional damage included at least two command and control centres (Murid and Chaklala), six radars, and potentially another surveillance asset in its hangar.

The success of Operation Sindoor underlines a strategic evolution in India’s air defense doctrine, one that blends technological sophistication with proactive engagement. With the S-400 system now combat-proven, the Indian Air Force has reinforced its position as a formidable force in the region's contested airspace.