NEW DELHI — The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Thursday, February 26, 2026, released the first-ever official video footage showcasing the S-400 “Sudarshan” air defence missile system in operation. The video, released as part of a promotional campaign for the upcoming “Vayu Shakti” exercise, includes a significant reference to “Operation Sindoor,” confirming that the system was responsible for the longest aerial kill in military history.
The footage provides a rare glimpse into the S-400’s capabilities, displaying a radar screen detecting an approaching target and the subsequent activation of the long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) mechanism. The IAF captioned the release with the phrase, “Enemy may be out of reach, but is never out of sight.” While the video is promotional material for the February 27 exercise in Rajasthan rather than actual combat footage, it serves as a powerful validation of the Russian-origin system’s role in India’s recent military operations.
According to details previously shared by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the S-400 system played a decisive role during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May 2025. During that engagement, the system successfully neutralized a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) signal intelligence aircraft approximately 300 km away, deep within Pakistani airspace. The IAF Chief noted that this long-range strike “turned the tables,” as it prevented the opposition from operating freely even within their own borders. In total, the IAF believes at least a dozen aircraft, including high-tech F-16 and JF-17 class fighters, were damaged or destroyed during the operation.
Indian Air Force: Infallible, Impervious and Precise
1 day to go.
The Indian Air Force has successfully validated all operational parameters during the Full Dress Rehearsal for #Vayushakti26 at Pokhran, all targets effectively neutralised.
All Air Warriors now stand fully… pic.twitter.com/j7ZWmOYYb1
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) February 26, 2026
The release of this footage on the eve of the Vayu Shakti exercise underscores India’s confidence in its multi-layered air defence network. By operationalizing the S-400, the IAF has significantly extended its “look-deep” capabilities, allowing for the detection and engagement of threats at unprecedented distances. The upcoming exercise in Rajasthan is expected to further demonstrate the integration of these long-range SAMs with indigenous platforms, reinforcing the military’s commitment to maintaining air superiority over the subcontinent.
