A recent assertion from Pakistan claiming that India’s S-400 radar system located at the Bhuj military base was destroyed during the May 2025 conflict has been refuted through detailed satellite imagery analysis. The image initially presented as evidence of the destruction has been shown to depict nothing more than oil stains in a vehicle service yard, with the imagery actually predating the conflict by several months.
Open-source intelligence expert Damien Symon conducted an examination of the satellite image dated February 24, 2025, concluding that the area was misidentified. The supposed damage portrayed in the image corresponds to a regular maintenance zone filled with oil stains and parked general-purpose vehicles, thus invalidating claims of a targeted strike on the radar system, which is considered a high-value asset.
This clarification comes in the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor on May 10, 2025, during which Indian airstrikes aimed at Pakistani airbases were conducted in retaliation for terrorist attacks. Reports indicate significant damages to Pakistani military infrastructure, including verified destruction at bases such as Mushaf Airbase, which experienced cratered runways and devastated aircraft hangars. Additionally, Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority announced a suspension of flights due to runway damage.
The claim regarding the destruction of the S-400 radar exemplifies a broader trend of misinformation purported by Pakistan’s military media wing, the Directorate General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DGISPR). Past instances of exaggeration include the dissemination of outdated images to inflate naval readiness and fabricated reports about the capture of Indian personnel, all of which have been debunked.
The May 2025 conflict, which concluded with a ceasefire after a four-day engagement, saw both nations proclaim victories, yet independent evaluations highlighted India’s precision in military strikes. In contrast, Pakistan has been observed to rely on deceptive narratives to mask operational failures. The discrediting of the S-400 radar destruction claim notably underscores the critical role satellite imagery and open-source intelligence play in verifying information during contemporary conflicts.
While officials from India have not issued a formal response to these developments, the revelation is anticipated to further erode Pakistan’s credibility and bolster India’s reputation for transparency in documenting military operations.
