Indian Air Force Veteran Refutes Pakistani Claims of S-400 System Strike in Operation Sindoor
Retired Sergeant Bhale Singh, a veteran of the Indian Air Force who operated the advanced S-400 Triumf air defence system, has refuted Pakistan's assertions of having destroyed an S-400 radar during Operation Sindoor. Singh, who received a Mention-in-Despatches citation for his role at the frontlines, disclosed in an interview that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was unsuccessful in targeting any S-400 units, despite launching CM AKG-400 air-launched cruise missiles.
In an interview with 'Face to Face', hosted by Dr. Syed Rizwan Ahmed, Singh stated that a missile allegedly responsible for striking the system was intercepted and destroyed well away from its actual deployment site. He explained, “They attempted to identify our unit, firing missiles at what they assumed was our radar location. However, not a single component of the S-400 was hit. The missile reportedly meant to destroy us was neutralized in open terrain, and its warhead was later recovered kilometers from our site,” Singh detailed.
According to analysts, the PAF's prior claims of damaging the radar lacked verification through satellite imagery or independent sources, suggesting these claims were part of a propaganda strategy to mitigate losses during Operation Sindoor.
The S-400 Triumf, with capabilities to engage targets at distances up to 400 km, was crucial in safeguarding Indian airspace during the conflict. Its sophisticated mobility, survivability, and layered radar systems made it challenging for the PAF to detect, much less destroy. Singh attributed the system’s resilience to its countermeasures and robust design, stating, “The system was engineered to withstand severe electronic and kinetic attacks. Operation Sindoor demonstrated its robustness.”
The Mention-in-Despatches awarded to Singh highlights the significant role of India’s air defence operators in protecting valuable assets and deterring enemy threats.
(With Inputs from IDRW)
