In PM’s Adampur visit, fact-check for Pakistan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unannounced visit to Punjab’s Adampur airbase this morning was meant to send out multiple messages — to Pakistan, the world and also at home.
To start with, the visit was a powerful fact check of the Pakistani claim that its military had destroyed the Indian Air Force’s second largest airbase which is home to the potent S-400 air defence system and MiG-29 squadrons.
“The 26 targets of Pakistani military in India included air force and aviation bases at Suratgarh, Sirsa, Adampur, Bhuj..,” the Pakistan army had claimed in the midst of Operation Sindoor.
The PM’s presence at Adampur airbase, a strategic asset of IAF’s strategically significant Western Air Command, debunked Pakistani claims.
The Prime Minister posed with a MiG-29 in the backdrop and later saluted the Adampur air defence field with Russia made S-400 launcher in the backdrop. His message — all key assets of the IAF are intact, operational and strong.
The PMO later released the very first public picture of the S-400 air defence system at its location in Adampur. The S-400 is one of the most advanced surface-to-air missile systems in the world with radars capable of tracking targets at a distance of 600 km.
A second message in the PM’s presence at Adampur today was strategic as this airbase played a key role in mounting the Indian aerial defence during Operation Sindoor, intercepting and thwarting Pakistani drones, munitions and missiles.
Located just 100 km from the Pakistan border, this airbase has been among India’s top assets and had played a major role in the 1971 War too.
“This time, it carried out air-to-ground strikes on targets across the border besides foiling waves of Pakistan military’s aerial attacks,” said a top government source explaining why the PM chose to personally visit the base, meet air warriors and take a briefing from top officers.
During his visit to the base, the PM wore Western Air Command’s official cap that bears the symbols of a falcon and a trident symbolising the command history of IAF’s most significant segment. This was Modi’s way of delivering the message of India’s military might to the world. He even declared from Adampur base that Pakistan can’t match Indian defences. The Western Air Command of IAF is in charge of the aerial defence of North India along the western frontier spanning J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, New Delhi and western UP.
After the PM’s visit, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted on X, “Fact-check for Pakistan who claims attack on Adampur airbase. The PM interacted with our brave jawans at Adampur airbase, Punjab.”
The PM said in a post: “Earlier this morning, I went to AFS Adampur and met our brave air warriors and soldiers. 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.”
Top News