S-400 in backdrop, PM Modi debunks Pakistan’s claim at Adampur airbase

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unannounced visit to the Indian Air Force’s Adampur airbase in Punjab on Tuesday, delivering a clear message of support for the armed forces and directly countering Pakistan’s recent claims of destroying India’s S-400 air defence system.

This came a day after he addressed the nation for the first time since the Indian forces launched Operation Sindoor to target terror hubs in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan last week. The punitive military exercise shocked Pakistan, which retaliated with a barrage of drones and fighter aircraft towards Indian airspace, leading to heavy engagement between the two sides.

Speaking on Monday evening, PM Modi said, “The world saw how Pakistan’s drones and missiles fell like straws in front of India. India’s strong air defense system destroyed them in the sky itself. Pakistan had prepared for an attack on the border, but India struck at the heart of Pakistan.”

This was a strong rebuttal from the Indian prime minister as it came in the wake of Pakistan’s claim that its aerial attacks destroyed India’s air defence systems of which S-400 and Akash were core components.

A show of strength

During his early morning visit, PM Modi interacted with air force personnel and was briefed on the security situation following the recent India-Pakistan hostilities triggered by Operation Sindoor.

The operation, launched after a deadly terror attack in Kashmir, saw India strike multiple terrorist sites across the border. In retaliation, Pakistan targeted several Indian airbases, including Adampur, with drones and missiles.

In his Monday’s address, PM Modi said, “India’s drones and missiles attacked with precision. They damaged those airbases of the Pakistani Air Forces, of which Pakistan was very proud. India caused heavy damage to Pakistan in the first three days itself, which it had never imagined.”

Debunking disinformation

A striking image from the visit showed PM Modi waving to jawans with an MiG-29 jet and a fully intact S-400 system in the background-directly contradicting Pakistan’s assertion that its JF-17 fighters had destroyed the S-400 at Adampur.

Open-source intelligence and on-ground reports confirm no visible damage to the S-400 or critical infrastructure at the base, exposing the Pakistani claim as disinformation.

The visit served significant two purposes. It came as a reassurance to the nation and the armed forces from the government of its unwavering support. And it publicly debunked Pakistan’s narrative, reaffirming the operational readiness of India’s most advanced air defence assets.

While interacting with soldiers, PM Modi said, “India is eternally grateful to our armed forces for everything they do for our nation,” underscoring his government’s appreciation and the symbolic significance of the visit.

Ceasefire, but with caution

While a ceasefire between India and Pakistan was agreed upon on May 10, India has clarified that its military operations are only “paused” and future actions will depend on Pakistan’s conduct. The situation remains tense, but there is calm at the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border. PM Modi’s visit is also India’s message to Pakistan and the rest of the world at large that the nation stands resolute against both physical and information warfare.