SOURCE: AFI
A recent image circulating on social media claims that Pakistan destroyed an S-400 radar system at India’s Bhuj Air Force Station, escalating tensions amid the ongoing Indo-Pak conflict. However, a closer examination reveals this narrative is misleading and based on misinterpretation of satellite imagery.
The image in question, dated February 24, 2025, shows the Bhuj military base in Gujarat, India, with annotations highlighting what the claimant describes as evidence of destruction. The primary focus is on an area marked as “possible oil stains or fuel spillage within the maintenance area.” A review of the satellite imagery indicates that these markings are more likely oil stains in the vehicle service yard, a common sight in military bases where general-purpose trucks—also visible in the image—are serviced. The presence of such stains aligns with routine maintenance activities rather than the aftermath of an attack.
Further discrediting the claim, the image predates the recent Indo-Pak conflict, which flared up after February 2025. The satellite imagery, timestamped at 23°13’47.76″N 69°40’55.75″E, was captured on February 24, 2025, before any reported military engagements in the region escalated to the level of targeting strategic assets like the S-400 system. The S-400, a sophisticated air defense system, is a high-value asset, and any attack on it would likely leave more significant and verifiable damage, such as structural debris or burn marks, none of which are evident in the image.
Additionally, the image circulated on social media appears to have been manipulated or misinterpreted. The annotations, including a red box around what is claimed to be the “S-400 radar destroyed,” actually highlight a vehicle that matches the appearance of equipment in the maintenance area, not a radar system. The green and yellow boxes further emphasize areas that align with typical base operations rather than combat damage.
This isn’t the first time misinformation has spread regarding military actions between India and Pakistan. The Bhuj Air Force Station, strategically located near the border, is often a focal point for such claims. However, without corroborating evidence—such as official statements, additional imagery, or on-ground reports—these assertions remain speculative at best.
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