S-400 System Credited with Downings of Six Pakistani Aircraft, Says Indian Air Force Chief

New Delhi – Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh announced that the Russian-made S-400 air defense system played a significant role in recent conflicts with Pakistan, attributing the downing of a "large aircraft" and five Pakistani fighters to the system. This statement, shared by Velina Tchakarova on social media, highlights the S-400's operational impact during the intense cross-border hostilities, particularly during "Operation Sindoor" in May 2025.

India acquired the S-400 Triumf system through a $5.43 billion contract signed with Russia in 2018 for five squadrons. Three of these squadrons have already been delivered and deployed, primarily along the borders with Pakistan and China. The systems in India are equipped with the latest 40N6 surface-to-air missiles, which boast an impressive range of 400 kilometers, enhancing India's long-range air defense capabilities.

During the May 7-10, 2025, cross-border hostilities, Pakistan had claimed to have successfully bombed the Adampur airbase and destroyed an S-400 battery. However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the airbase on May 13, posing with an S-400 system in the background, effectively refuting Pakistan's claims. The S-400 batteries are designed to detect and destroy hostile strategic bombers, jets, spy planes, missiles, and drones.

Despite the S-400's reported performance, its full delivery to India has faced significant delays, largely due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Russia has assured India that the remaining two squadrons will be delivered by 2026-27, pushing back the original 2023 completion timeline. This delay has prompted the Indian Air Force to explore alternative solutions to maintain its air defense readiness.

The S-400 system, known as "Sudarshan Chakra" in Indian service, is fully integrated into the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). Its ability to track targets up to 600 km away and engage them at 400 km, particularly with the 40N6 missile, makes it a critical asset for India's national security, especially given the persistent regional tensions.