India’s newly acquired S-400 air defence system destroyed at least five Pakistani Air Force jets during Operation Sindoor, Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh revealed. He spoke about the operation while delivering the Air Marshal Katre Annual Lecture in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Long-Range Success

The IAF chief said the Pakistani aircraft were taken down from a distance of 300 km. He added that the IAF also destroyed some F-16 fighter jets parked at Jacobabad airbase in Pakistan.

Game-Changing Technology

Praising the air defence capabilities, Singh stated, “Our air defence systems have done a wonderful job. The S-400 system, which we had recently bought, has been a game-changer.”

He explained that the system’s long range prevented Pakistani aircraft from using advanced weapons. “The range of that system has really kept their aircraft away from their weapons like those long-range glide bombs that they have; they have not been able to use any one of those because they have not been able to penetrate the system,” Singh said.

Operation Sindoor’s Significance

The four-day military escalation showcased India’s improved air defence strength. Singh credited the S-400 with keeping the Pakistani Air Force at bay and giving India a decisive edge during the conflict.