Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day ceremony on August 14 has triggered a fresh wave of controversy after the country’s leaders honoured officers they claimed destroyed India’s S-400 air defence system. India has flatly rejected the claim, calling it part of Pakistan’s ongoing misinformation campaign following Operation Sindoor.
At the ceremony in Islamabad, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif handed national honours to Pakistan Air Force officers involved in the recent conflict with India.
A video circulating on social media shows PM Sharif awarding Wing Commander Malik Rizwan-Ul-Haq Iftikhar for “destroying” India’s S-400 system. The clip has sparked debate online, with many users questioning the authenticity of the claim.
India’s Use of S-400 in Operation Sindoor
India installed the Russian-made S-400 system amid the escalation with Pakistan in May, following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist incident. The S-400 was vital in stopping incoming threats during Operation Sindoor, which attacked militant infrastructure located in Pakistan.
#Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif proudly awards Wing Commander Muhammad Malik Rizwan ul Haq for “destroying” India’s S-400 system… yes, the very one showcased during PM Modi’s visit to Adampur Airbase, which funnily enough, remains so spotless it could be in a showroom. pic.twitter.com/DdFuuHwujM
— IDU (@defencealerts) August 14, 2025
The S-400, considered one of the most lethal surface-to-air missile systems globally, is a critical part of India’s air defence. NATO has also labelled it a major strategic threat.
PM Modi’s Adampur Visit Debunks Pakistan’s Claim
In May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur airbase in Punjab — the location Pakistan claimed was hit. His visit served as a direct rebuttal to Islamabad’s allegations.
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Although Adampur was targeted during Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes, the S-400 reportedly shot down all incoming threats. This performance earned it the nickname “Sudarshan Chakra” among Indian defence circles.
Pakistan’s Alleged Satellite ‘Proof’
Following the operation, Pakistan circulated what it called satellite imagery of a destroyed S-400 system at Adampur. Official social media accounts posted captions like “S-400 damaged!!!” to bolster the claim.
However, the Indian government dismissed these assertions as fabricated.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh publicly refuted Pakistan’s statements.
“In a swift and calibrated response, Indian armed forces carried out a precision strike only at identified military targets. Pakistan has also attempted to execute a continued malicious misinformation campaign, with claims of destruction of the Indian S-400 system, destruction of airfields at Suratgarh and Sirsa… India unequivocally rejects these false claims being spread by Pakistan,” Singh said at a press briefing.
Watch: Addressing the Special briefing on Operation Sindoor, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh says, “With claims being propagated on social media regarding the destruction of the Indian S-400 system at Adampur, the destruction of airfields at Suratgarh and Sirsa, the BrahMos base at… https://t.co/nz1cD3mQBf pic.twitter.com/8nWAYYZ9FF
— IANS (@ians_india) May 10, 2025
Public Reaction and Social Media Backlash
The viral video of the awards ceremony has sparked ridicule on X (formerly Twitter). Users questioned why Pakistan would award medals for an alleged strike without providing evidence.
“How do they even sleep at night after lying? Shameless,” wrote one user. Another commented, “I wonder if any of them feel any shame taking these medals, knowing deep down inside they could not hit a single target.”
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Others drew ironic comparisons between Pakistan’s Malik Rizwan-Ul-Haq being honoured for a “fake attack” and the Indian Air Force’s Rizwan Malik being awarded the Vir Chakra for his real contributions during Operation Sindoor.
A Continuing Narrative War
Defence analysts note that this is not the first time Pakistan has made claims about destroying Indian strategic assets without proof. India’s stance remains firm — the S-400 remains intact, and Pakistan’s narrative is aimed at boosting domestic morale after failing to breach India’s defences.
With the war of words continuing on social media, both countries appear locked not just in military rivalry but also in a battle of information and perception.
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