Former Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Shirish Baban Deo (Retd) on Thursday lauded the Indian Air Force’s successful deployment of the S-400 Sudarshan Chakra missile system, calling it “perhaps the most potent system in the world” after it thwarted incoming aerial threats late Wednesday night.
Speaking to ANI, Air Marshal Deo explained that the S-400, sourced from Russia and integrated into India’s layered air defence architecture, is a multi-tiered shield capable of targeting everything from stealth aircraft to medium-range ballistic missiles.
“It’s an entire ecosystem – three types of radars and three types of missiles – each optimised for low-RCS threats, high-speed missiles, and other aerial targets. The system’s single-shot kill probability is very high,” Deo said.
In a clear show of India’s technological edge during the ongoing cross-border tensions, the S-400 intercepted multiple targets during Pakistan’s attempted strike across military installations in Northern and Western India, including Amritsar, Jammu, Bhuj, Ludhiana, and others.
Deo also highlighted India’s use of Harpy drones – loitering munitions designed for suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD).
“These are anti-radiation drones equipped with seekers. Once enemy radars are switched on, Harpy drones lock on, strike, and destroy them – even if the radar is turned off later. They can loiter for 10 to 12 hours, offering real-time video feedback for precision targeting,” he said.
Pakistan’s Escalation Met with Panic, Missiles Repelled
Following India’s successful Operation Sindoor, which eliminated nine terror launchpads deep inside Pakistani territory, Pakistan retaliated in panic by attempting to hit Indian military targets on the night of May 7.
The Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence Systems successfully neutralised drones and missiles aimed at over a dozen Indian cities and bases, including Awantipura, Pathankot, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Phalodi. Debris from these interceptions is now being recovered and catalogued.
Strong Words on Pakistan’s Military and Radicalisation
Deo did not mince words when assessing Pakistan’s military establishment, labeling it “corrupt and radicalised” and accusing its leadership of weakening military professionalism.
“Unlike a normal country, Pakistan’s radicalised leadership undermines its army. India’s response must be a whole-of-nation approach, as the challenge isn’t only military but also about internal security,” he warned.
Highlighting the threat of sleeper cells being activated as a last resort by Pakistan-based terror outfits, he urged public vigilance:
“We must stay alert. Sleeper cells could be the last option left for them.”
India’s strategic posture remains defensive but resolute, with its use of the S-400 system and loitering drones marking a new era in integrated air defence and counter-terror strategy.