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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially confirmed that its S-400 Triumf air defence system successfully shot down a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Saab 2000 airborne surveillance aircraft on May 8, 2025.
The engagement, which took place during the strategic 'Operation Sindoor', occurred at an unprecedented range of approximately 314 kilometres, setting a new world record for a surface-to-air missile strike and crippling Pakistan's airborne surveillance capabilities.
The confirmation solves the mystery behind a massive fireball reported over Dinga in Pakistan’s Punjab province on the night of the incident. At the time, videos captured by local citizens showed an immense blaze, leading to widespread speculation.
Pakistani officials initially claimed the fire was caused by a small, downed Indian loitering munition. However, the sheer size and intensity of the fire, as seen in the footage, suggested the crash of a much larger aircraft, a fact now verified by India.
In a major announcement, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the IAF's Chief of the Air Staff, verified that the fire in Dinga was indeed the wreckage of the PAF's Saab 2000 Erieye.
This aircraft is an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platform, a critical asset that functions as a 'flying eye' to monitor vast areas of airspace and direct military operations.
While the Air Chief Marshal did not disclose further operational details, his statement confirms the successful neutralisation of a high-value Pakistani target.
The S-400 Triumf, known by its NATO designation SA-21 Growler, is a cornerstone of India’s layered air defence network. Procured from Russia in a significant $5.4 billion deal, the system is globally recognised as one of the most advanced of its kind.
It is equipped with sophisticated radars and multiple missile types designed to engage a wide array of threats, including aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles. The 40N6 long-range missile, used in this engagement, allows the S-400 to neutralise targets up to 400 kilometres away.
This historic 314-kilometre engagement demonstrates a monumental leap in military technology and strategy. The strike on the Saab 2000, which was operating deep within Pakistani airspace, showcases the S-400’s formidable reach and precision.
This capability establishes a powerful anti-access/area-denial (A2AD) bubble, effectively allowing India to challenge and deny enemy aircraft safe passage far beyond its own borders.
The shootdown over Dinga appears to be part of a broader, coordinated offensive under Operation Sindoor.
This operation has reportedly included other significant actions, such as a BrahMos missile strike that destroyed another AEW&C aircraft on the ground at Bholari airbase and attacks on other key military installations like Sargodha.
These combined actions suggest a comprehensive strategy to dismantle Pakistan's air defence and surveillance infrastructure.
While Pakistani authorities continue to downplay the loss, the evidence and official Indian confirmation paint a clear picture.
The destruction of the AEW&C at Bholari had previously been acknowledged by retired PAF Air Marshal Masood Akhtar, lending credibility to Indian claims of successfully targeting Pakistan's vital surveillance assets.
The subsequent loss of the Saab 2000 in Dinga represents a severe blow to the PAF's operational readiness.
The loss of two of its nine AEW&C platforms, a significant portion of its fleet, critically degrades the Pakistan Air Force's ability to maintain situational awareness and coordinate an effective air defence. This development could decisively shift the regional air power balance in India’s favour.
