During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force’s S-400 air defence system shot down an aircraft flying 314 km inside Pakistan, according to the Defence Ministry’s latest report.
According to the report, Pakistan kept its airspace open during the conflict, with civilian flights continuing to operate. This created a risk of civilian aircraft being targeted. However, the Air Force identified and shot down Pakistani military aircraft.
The report described the downed aircraft as a “special mission aircraft”. However, Air Force officials had earlier said it was a Pakistani AWACS aircraft, which simultaneously detects threats and targets in the air. It is also known as an airborne command centre.
The report said this was the longest-range surface-to-air strike carried out by India. It showed that distance could not protect enemy aircraft from Indian air defence systems.
India says Pakistan kept civilian airspace open
The report also accused Pakistan of keeping its civilian airspace open during the conflict, with commercial flights continuing to operate.
India said its military operations were conducted while taking into account the safety of international air traffic.
S-400 tracked aircraft before missile strike
According to the report, the S-400 first tracked the Pakistani aircraft and identified it as a threat. A long-range surface-to-air missile was then guided towards the target.
The Defence Ministry said the engagement highlighted the S-400’s capability to strike targets located hundreds of kilometres away.
IACCS coordinated India’s air defence
During Operation Sindoor, India’s airspace defence was coordinated through the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
The system combined data from military and civilian radars to create a common air picture. This helped Indian forces track aircraft and distinguish potential threats from other air traffic.
Civilian flights also monitored
IAF network systems and trained operators were used to differentiate military aircraft from civilian flights, reducing the risk of an accidental strike on a commercial aircraft.
The Defence Ministry said India took measures to safeguard international air traffic during the military operation.
Where is the S-400 deployed?
Each S-400 squadron carries 256 missiles. India currently has 3 squadrons, deployed along different border fronts.
First squadron — deployed in Punjab. Russia handed over the first squadron to India in 2021. It is meant to counter threats coming from both Pakistan and China.
Second squadron — deployed in Sikkim (China border). India received this consignment in July 2022. It also keeps watch over the “Chicken’s Neck” corridor from here.
Third squadron — deployed along the Rajasthan-Gujarat or Punjab/Rajasthan border. India received this consignment in February 2023. This squadron strengthens security along the western border.
