Fact Check: Did Pakistan Hit Indian Sukhoi or S-400 During Operation Sindoor?

Pakistan Hit Indian Sukhoi:
Recent claims from Pakistan suggesting successful strikes on Indian airbases during Operation Sindoor have been strongly refuted by satellite imagery experts. Reports had alleged that Pakistan damaged Indian military infrastructure, specifically targeting the Adampur air base in Punjab and the Bhuj air base in Gujarat. However, top Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) analyst Damien Symon has fact-checked and debunked these allegations.

Pakistan Hit Indian Sukhoi:
According to Symon, Pakistan circulated an image claiming to show a damaged Sukhoi-30 at Adampur air base. However, upon review, he confirmed that the image was taken in March 2025, before Operation Sindoor even began. It actually shows a MiG-29 undergoing routine maintenance near the engine testing area. The dark soot seen in the photo is typical of maintenance activity—not battle damage.

Bhuj Air Base Claim Also False

A similar false claim was made regarding the destruction of an S-400 radar system at the Bhuj air base. Once again, Symon verified the image and pointed out that it likely just shows oil stains in the vehicle yard, not missile or bombing damage. This image too was taken before the conflict began, in February 2025.

Background on Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, 2025, as a response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which killed 26 people. India targeted terrorist infrastructure across nine locations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Punjab. The confrontation between the two countries lasted four days and ended with a ceasefire on May 10.

These misleading images suggest an attempt by Pakistan to create a false narrative around Operation Sindoor. OSINT analysis clearly proves that the images do not show any real-time or post-strike damage, but were instead older photographs used out of context. Such misinformation highlights the importance of fact-checking, especially in matters of national security and conflict.

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