PIB Fact Check: No, Pakistan Has NOT Destroyed an Indian S-400 Air Defence System

Introduction

False news and doctored claims are rapidly flooding social media amid ongoing regional tensions. The latest misinformation suggests that Pakistan has destroyed a strategic Indian S-400 air defence system. However, this claim is entirely fake, as confirmed by the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit (PIB Fact Check).

The Viral Fake: “Pakistan Destroys Indian S-400 System”

Images, videos, and captions are circulating across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, and WhatsApp, claiming:

“BREAKING: Pakistan takes out India’s S-400 air defence system in a precision strike.”

These posts are often accompanied by unrelated visuals of explosions or smoke plumes and are designed to mislead the public.

🚨 S-400 Destroyed by Pakistan? Here's the Truth!

Posts circulating on social media claim that Pakistan has destroyed an Indian S-400 air defence system.#PIBFactCheck

❌ This claim is FAKE.

❌ Reports of destruction or any damage to an S-400 system are baseless.… pic.twitter.com/wPLKQSBAqe

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 10, 2025

Official Clarification by PIB Fact Check

To counter this misinformation, @PIBFactCheck issued a public statement:

🚨 S-400 Destroyed by Pakistan? Here’s the Truth!

Posts circulating on social media claim that Pakistan has destroyed an Indian S-400 air defence system.

#PIBFactCheck

❌ This claim is FAKE.

❌ Reports of destruction or any damage to an S-400 system are baseless.

The Facts: No Incident, No Damage

• The Indian defence establishment has not reported any attack or damage to the S-400 Triumf missile system, India’s state-of-the-art long-range surface-to-air missile system.
• There is no visual, satellite, or operational evidence to support such claims.
• This appears to be part of a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at weakening public morale.

What Is the S-400?

The S-400 Triumf is among the most advanced air defence systems in the world, capable of targeting aircraft, drones, and missiles at long ranges. India procured the system from Russia to bolster its multi-layered air defence.

Spreading false claims about the S-400 is not only a strategic misinformation ploy but also an attempt to destabilize national security narratives.

Dangers of Such Misinformation

🛑 Public Panic:

Claims targeting sensitive military assets can spark unnecessary fear and confusion.

🛑 Diplomatic Tensions:

Such falsehoods may escalate geopolitical stress between India and its neighbours.

🛑 Strategic Vulnerability:

Falsified military narratives undermine national trust and can be exploited by adversarial entities.

Be Smart. Be Safe. Verify First.

✅ Use Trusted Sources:

• @PIBFactCheck
• https://pib.gov.in
• Official Indian defence channels

✅ Report Misinformation:

• Email: factcheck@pib.gov.in
• WhatsApp: +91-8799711259

✅ Spread Digital Awareness:

Encourage your peers to verify before forwarding. Every individual plays a role in countering fake news.

Explore more fake news:

• PIB Fact Check: Claim About Indian Pilot Ejecting Over PoK is Completely Fake
• PIB Fact Check: Claim About Bathinda Airfield Being Destroyed Is FAKE
• PIB Fact Check: No, Nagrota Air Base Was Not Attacked – Viral Video is Fake and Digitally Altered
• PIB Fact Check: Viral Video Claiming Missile Attack on Delhi Airport is FAKE

Conclusion

The viral claim that Pakistan has destroyed an Indian S-400 air defence system is 100% fake. PIB Fact Check has confirmed that no such incident has occurred. Stay calm, trust only official sources, and remember: misinformation is the real threat in today’s information war.