Indian defence officials and fact-checkers have denied reports that Pakistan destroyed an Indian S-400 air defence system. The claim, shared on social media and by some state-run outlets, has been proven false by both the Indian Air Force and the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
Pakistan claims attack on S-400 in Punjab
This week, Pakistan’s state broadcaster PTV reported that the Pakistan Air Force used hypersonic missiles to destroy an Indian S-400 system in Adampur, Punjab. Chinese state-linked outlets, including Xinhua and Global Times, repeated the claim. They said that Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder jet was responsible for the attack.
The story spread quickly on social media, gaining attention in both countries. Some users posted videos and photos that were later found to be outdated or unrelated.
Indian officials say the report is fake
Indian defence authorities responded quickly. A spokesperson from the Indian Air Force told the Press Trust of India that the claims were false. He confirmed that there was no damage to any Indian air defence system.
The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit also posted on social media, saying the claim was fake. They stated that reports of destruction or any damage to an S-400 system were baseless.
Officials said that any real damage to the S-400 would have had serious consequences, and such an incident would not go unnoticed.
What is the S-400 air defence system
India’s S-400 Triumf is one of the most advanced air defence systems in the world. It was bought from Russia and can detect and shoot down aircraft, drones, and missiles from long distances. Its range is up to 400 kilometers.
India received the first set of S-400 systems in 2021. These systems are now placed in important locations, especially near border areas. The S-400 plays a key role in India’s defence strategy.
Misinformation campaign linked to Operation Sindoor
Tensions between India and Pakistan have been rising since Operation Sindoor. This was a recent Indian military operation targeting terrorist camps near the border. Since then, many false claims have appeared on social media in Pakistan.
Some of these posts use old videos and photos to support fake news. Officials believe that the false S-400 story is part of a larger misinformation campaign aimed at misleading the public.
The PIB Fact Check team has worked to expose these claims. They often post updates to help people know what is true and what is not.
International reactions and media responsibility
Some global news experts have raised concerns about fake stories during times of conflict. They say that misinformation can lead to confusion and even increase tensions between countries.
One Indian defence analyst said that when national broadcasters or allied media share false stories, it can create real risks. He noted that both countries must be careful, especially when reporting on serious topics like air defence systems.
What readers should do
People should always check the facts before sharing any news. Trusted sources include the PIB Fact Check, the Indian Ministry of Defence, and news agencies like PTI and Reuters.
Here are some steps to help stop the spread of fake news:
- Do not share videos or photos without checking their source
- Follow official fact-checking pages on social media
- Share verified news and corrections
akistan has not destroyed an Indian S-400 system. The story was false and has been proven fake by Indian defence officials and national fact-checkers. As social media becomes more powerful, the need to check facts and share only true information becomes more important than ever.
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