How PM Modi’s strategic visit to Adampur airbase debunked Pak’s S-400 claim

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unexpected visit to the Adampur airbase in Punjab on Tuesday, one particular image distinguished itself from others, effectively undermining Pakistan’s disinformation efforts in a single blow. It depicted PM Modi greeting the jawans, with a MiG-29 aircraft and an undamaged S-400 air defense system prominently featured in the backdrop.

The communication had two aspects. It not only refuted Pakistan’s assertion that missiles from its JF-17 fighter jet had obliterated the S-400 air defence system in Adampur, but also highlighted PM Modi’s unwavering dedication to national security. PM Modi’s trip to Adampur, where India’s second-largest airbase is located, occurred a day after he conveyed a powerful warning to Pakistan, emphasizing that India had merely halted its offensive against terror camps and military installations.

During his early morning visit, the Prime Minister interacted with the air force personnel at the airbase, which had been in the thick of action, thwarting drone and missile strikes by Pakistan.

“It was a very special experience to be with those who epitomise courage, determination and fearlessness. India is eternally grateful to our armed forces for everything they do for our nation,” PM Modi tweeted.

Last week, Adampur experienced heightened tension for several days as Pakistan launched drones and missiles at the airbase in response to India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’. Nonetheless, the Russian-built S-400 air defense system, India’s ‘Sudarshan Chakra’, detected and destroyed the missiles. After its drones and missiles did not cause significant harm in Adampur, Pakistan circulated false videos and activated its disinformation strategy.

Surrounding an arbitrary section of soil, the Pakistani military released what it referred to as a satellite image showing a damaged S-400 at the Adampur airbase, announcing, “S-400 damaged!!!”

The picture contained no evident indicators of damage, like craters, rubble, or any impaired machinery. Nevertheless, social media promptly exposed Pakistan’s deception while India refuted its assertions. The series of images shared by the Prime Minister likewise reveals no harm or effect on the essential airbase and its runway.

After the Prime Minister’s images went viral, experts and politicians lauded his “masterclass in fact-checking”.

“PM Modi walks into Adampur airbase, the very site Pakistan falsely claimed was ‘destroyed’. Just the Prime Minister standing tall with our heroes – reality silencing propaganda,” Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar tweeted.

Another X user tweeted, “The propaganda by Pakistan that they managed to damage the s400 site in Adampur goes to drain.”