European defence analysis site calls S-400 destruction a major setback for India

The reported destruction of India’s S-400 air defence system is the most significant incident in the ongoing Pakistan-India conflict, a European defence analysis website said.

In the early hours of Saturday, Pakistan launched a retaliatory military operation titled ‘Bunyan um Mursoos’ following an  Indian air strike targeting multiple sites in Punjab province, including Nur Khan Air Base, Shorkot Air Base, and Murid Air Base with air-to-ground missiles during overnight operations between Friday and Saturday. However, the Pakistan Air Force confirmed that all strategic assets remained unharmed.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed to media on Saturday that India's S-400 system was destroyed in a precise strike.

Bulgarian Military website, stated that if Pakistan successfully targeted and destroyed the S-400 during its counteroffensive, it would be considered a high-profile military achievement.

The S-400 was stationed at the Adampur air base, one of northern India’s key military installations and home to a Sukhoi fighter jet squadron, located approximately 100 kilometers from the Pakistan border.

The report highlighted that the loss of the Russian-manufactured defence system at such a strategic location could severely undermine India’s aerial defence. It noted that Pakistan's deployment of hypersonic capabilities and its JF-17 Thunder fighter jets has significantly boosted its offensive potential.

According to Bulgarian Military, Pakistan may have locally adapted a version of China’s hypersonic missile technology. It emphasised that the elimination of the S-400 system could lead to far-reaching implications for India’s defence strategy.

"Pakistan’s claim of destroying such a system, if verified, would represent a significant blow to India’s defense posture," the outlet stated.

The review also noted that the symbolic impact of the attack lies in Pakistan's demonstrated capability to strike deep within Indian territory. It added that the S-400 system could be vulnerable to precision strikes targeting its radar and command centers.

What is the S-400 system?

The S-400 Triumf is a Russian long-range surface-to-air missile system that India acquired in 2018 to bolster its air defense capabilities. The system has the ability to track up to 300 aerial targets simultaneously and engage 36 threats at once.

It can intercept aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones, including those traveling at speeds of up to 4.8 kilometers per second.

India reportedly possesses three S-400 systems. The estimated cost of a single unit destroyed in the reported Pakistani airstrike is around $1.5 billion.

Other reported targets included the destruction of Indian air bases in Bathinda and Sirsa, along with the Uri supply depot, further demonstrating Pakistan’s expanded reach in the conflict.