Introduction
On August 9, 2025, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh dropped a bombshell—figuratively—during a media briefing in Bengaluru. In his most candid post-operation remarks yet, he confirmed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) had shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and one airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft during Operation Sindoor, conducted earlier this year. What stood out even more was his acknowledgment of the S-400 missile defence system as a decisive factor in the conflict, calling it a “game-changer” that reshaped the dynamics of the air war.
The operation wasn’t just about firepower. It was about precision, messaging, and—above all—strategic restraint. The IAF didn’t just hit enemy aircraft; it struck deep into the heart of Pakistan’s terrorist infrastructure, addressing what Singh called the “ghost of Balakot” by producing verifiable results this time.
Background: The Spark That Ignited Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor wasn’t launched in a vacuum. On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 civilian lives. Intelligence confirmed the involvement of The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-based proxy militant group. The political leadership in New Delhi authorized a targeted military response—one that would send an unmistakable message to Islamabad.
On the night of May 7–8, 2025, the IAF initiated Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist training camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The mission aimed to degrade militant capabilities while avoiding unnecessary escalation by steering clear of civilian or purely military infrastructure.
The Role of the S-400: From Deterrence to Dominance
When India acquired the Russian-made S-400 Triumf missile system, defence analysts called it a deterrence asset—something to keep adversaries cautious. But Operation Sindoor proved it could be much more.
Record-Breaking Kill
The IAF Chief revealed that the S-400 executed what may be the longest-ever recorded surface-to-air kill—taking down a Pakistani aircraft from about 300 km away. This engagement wasn’t just about numbers; it redefined the reach and threat envelope of India’s air defence grid.
Target Elimination
- F-16 Fighters: Several were shot down mid-air, while others stationed at Jacobabad Air Base were destroyed on the ground.
- AEW&C Aircraft: Knocking out Pakistan’s airborne radar platform severely degraded their situational awareness, crippling coordination between fighter squadrons.
- Suppression of Glide Bomb Threats: The S-400’s range kept Pakistani aircraft far from their intended targets, neutralizing the risk of long-range glide bomb strikes on Indian positions.
Operation Sindoor’s Strike Precision
Air Chief Marshal Singh showcased before-and-after satellite images of key strikes—most notably on the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) headquarters in Bahawalpur. The images revealed surgical precision: targeted structures obliterated, while surrounding civilian buildings remained intact.
This approach was a direct contrast to Balakot 2019, where despite operational success, India faced challenges in proving the extent of damage to both domestic and international audiences. Singh called this transparency “putting the ghost of Balakot to rest.”
Strategic Restraint and Ending the Operation
Interestingly, Singh defended the decision to pause the operation after objectives were met. “Some people close to me said, ‘Aur maarna tha’ (we should have hit more). But can we continue to be at war?” he asked. This choice reflected a deliberate balance—asserting dominance without inviting uncontrolled escalation.
Former US President Donald Trump even claimed credit for helping avert a potential nuclear escalation, stating that Washington had threatened to halt trade with both nations if hostilities didn’t stop.
Why the S-400 Changes the Game
The S-400 didn’t just intercept targets; it reshaped Pakistan’s tactical options. Knowing that Indian defences could engage targets at unprecedented ranges forced Pakistani pilots to operate from deeper inside their airspace, limiting offensive possibilities.
Strategic Implications
- Air Superiority Without Crossing Borders – India could neutralize airborne threats without violating Pakistani airspace, avoiding political complications.
- Psychological Impact – Pilots and planners in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) now have to operate under constant threat of detection and engagement.
- Operational Flexibility – The IAF can now integrate the S-400 into joint strike packages, combining offence and defence seamlessly.
Operation Sindoor vs. Balakot: Lessons Learned
- Proof of Damage: High-resolution imagery and on-ground intelligence ensured credible evidence.
- Expanded Target List: Instead of one major strike, multiple terrorist hubs were simultaneously neutralized.
- Air Defence Integration: Unlike Balakot, where defensive coverage was limited, Sindoor used the S-400 to dominate the aerial domain.
The Bigger Picture
Operation Sindoor will likely be studied in defence colleges as a textbook example of combining cutting-edge technology with disciplined operational planning. The S-400’s performance will shape future procurement and deployment strategies—not just in India, but in other nations observing the conflict.
Conclusion
By neutralizing enemy aircraft at record ranges, dismantling terrorist infrastructure, and avoiding unnecessary escalation, Operation Sindoor marked a significant leap in India’s defence capability. The S-400 system, once seen as just a deterrent, emerged as an active battlefield game-changer.
The IAF’s success here is not merely tactical—it’s strategic, psychological, and political. As Air Chief Marshal Singh put it, “We’ve taken care of the ghost of Balakot.” The message to adversaries is clear: India can strike with precision, protect its skies, and end a conflict on its own terms.
