Pakistan has made a remarkable claim, announcing that it successfully intercepted a long-range 400N40E missile fired from the Indian S-6 air defense system over its territory with the Chinese-made long-range air defense system HQ-9P. This claim came amid the escalation of tensions in the region in recent days, and the intensive use of India’s air defense network.
Air Defense Systems on Alert in the Region
India’s air defense network is operating at full capacity against recent ballistic missile and drone attacks originating from Pakistan. Open source images and social media reports show that Indian forces are actively using both new-generation and older air defense systems to counter these threats. Images of debris from the area show the remains of various interceptor missiles, including 9M96E, Barak-8, and even parts of missiles thought to belong to older S-125 air defense systems. This clearly shows how dense and complex the airspace in the region has become.
Pakistan Claims S-400 Missile Intercepted
It is in this climate of high tension that Pakistan has attracted attention by claiming that it intercepted an Indian S-400 missile over its territory with its long-range air defense system. According to statements made by Pakistani defense sources, the intercepted missile was a 400N40E type missile, the longest-range interceptor missile deployed by India with the Russian-made S-6 air defense system. If this claim is confirmed, it could go down in history as a rare example of an engagement between modern air defense systems.
Region and Timing of the Incident
Pakistani sources say the incident occurred near Dinga town in Pakistan's Punjab province. The area is near Adampur Air Base, one of the Indian Air Force's major bases. According to Pakistani officials, the 40N6E missile was launched by India in response to threats during the escalating conflict, but somehow entered Pakistani airspace. This raises questions about whether the missile was targeted incorrectly or whether it was a technical fault.
Pakistan's Defense System: Chinese Made HQ-9P
According to the Defense Blog, the Pakistani air defense system that engaged the Indian missile is the Chinese-supplied HQ-9P. This system is known to be a long-range air defense platform with similar features to the Russian S-300 series. Regional defense analysts note that if this claim is confirmed, it would be the first known incident of an HQ-9 air defense system intercepting a missile launched by an S-400 battery. Furthermore, Air Defense System vs. Air Defense System (ADS vs. ADS) engagement is considered to be quite rare worldwide. However, there is no independent confirmation of this interception incident yet.
No Statement Yet From India
Indian officials have yet to make any official statement on Pakistan’s striking claim. In particular, they have not confirmed that the S-400 system has been used in any recent operations. However, there are ongoing speculations about the interceptor missile debris recovered from the area, what its target was and why it may have deviated from its course towards Pakistani territory. Analysis of the missile debris could be critical to unraveling the incident.
Possible Scenario for Pakistan
Pakistani officials suggest that the 400N40E interceptor missile fired from India’s S-6 air defense system was likely intended to hit multiple targets in a retaliatory strike. However, according to Pakistani sources, due to a miscalculation or technical glitch, the missile missed the target and veered off course into Pakistani airspace. Pakistan’s HQ-9P system also detected the stray missile, engaged it and successfully destroyed it. This scenario offers a possible explanation for how the incident could have happened, but remains an assumption without independent verification.
Importance in Terms of Regional Security
Pakistan’s claim could further complicate the already tense security situation in the South Asian region. If true, the incident would raise significant questions about the effectiveness of modern air defense systems against each other. Furthermore, the confrontation of Chinese and Russian-made defense systems in a conflict environment could create a situation where the defense technologies and strategies of these countries will be closely scrutinized. The international community and defense experts are expected to closely monitor independent evidence to substantiate this claim. Confirmation of the incident could have significant implications for regional balances of power and future military strategies.
