As part of Pakistan's Operation Bunyan Marsus against India, it has successfully targeted and destroyed India’s advanced S-400 air defence system stationed in Adampur in the Jalandhar district of Indian Punjab.
According to security sources, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) employed hypersonic missile technology in its retaliatory strikes, with one of its JF-17 Thunder aircraft reportedly delivering the critical blow. The S-400 system, a sophisticated Russian-made surface-to-air defence shield valued at approximately $1.5 billion, was among India’s most prized strategic assets.
What is S-400 air defence system?
- India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia in October 2018 to procure five units (squadrons) of the S-400 Triumf air defence missile system.
- The S-400 is a mobile long-range surface-to-air missile system capable of targeting aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles at ranges up to 400 km and detecting threats up to 600 km away.
- It consists of three main components: missile launchers, a powerful phased-array radar that can track over 100 targets simultaneously, and a command center.
Also Read: Video: Blow to India as Pakistan destroys BrahMos missile storage
- The system can engage multiple targets simultaneously (up to 36 targets with 72 missiles) and is capable of intercepting fast-moving aerial threats including intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
- India has deployed three of the five squadrons: the first in Punjab (Pathankot sector) in 2021, the second in Sikkim (LAC sector) in 2022, and the third in Rajasthan-Gujarat sector in 2023; deliveries of the remaining two are expected by 2025-2026.
- The S-400 has significantly enhanced India's multi-layered air defence capabilities, demonstrated recently when it was used to successfully intercept and neutralize missile attacks from Pakistan.
- The system is considered one of the most advanced and potent air defence systems globally, with NATO viewing it as a major threat due to its long-range and multi-target engagement capabilities.
Also Read: What is Fatah missile Pakistan attacked India with? Details here
- Despite US warnings of potential sanctions under CAATSA for the purchase, India proceeded with the acquisition to strengthen its strategic defence, especially against threats from Pakistan and China.
- The S-400 system is mobile, capable of moving on roads at speeds up to 60 km/h, and can be operational within minutes of deployment, providing flexible and rapid air defence coverage.
- The contract included training and simulators to ensure effective operation of the system by Indian forces.
In retaliation to India's recent barrage of attacks, Pakistan has launched a counterattack on India, named Operation Bunyan-um-Marsus, with missiles.
Also Read: Operation ‘Bunyan-um-Marsus’: Pakistan destroys 2 Indian airbases, missile depot
Security sources say Pakistan is currently conducting a counter-attack against India on hard military targets, as at least three 'Fatah 2' missiles have been fired at Indian targets. Currently, the Pakistan military is targeting multiple targets all across India. As per details, Indian BrahMos missile storage site in Beas has been knocked out in the first instance.
Furthermore, airfields in Udhampur, Adampur, Suratgarh and Pathankot have also been destroyed, as per security sources. They said all the bases from where Pakistan was attacked are being targeted. The most damage so far has been done by the 'Fath 2' missile.
According to the Indian media, a senior Indian administrative officer has been killed in Rajouri in the ongoing attacks. Moreover, Indian artillery gun position Dehrangyari has been destroyed, as well as the BrahMos storage site Nagrota in India-held Kashmir with heavy losses reported.
The Indian media has admitted that Pakistan targeted 26 locations in India. Meanwhile, Pakistani drones are reported to have reached New Delhi and are flying over the Indian capital. One drone is also said to have hit the Indian city of Ferozepur.
