Pakistan Shaheen Missile Incident Sparks Denial Amid India's Claims
The denial by Pakistan and the claims by India over the Shaheen missile incident reflect deeper issues of military rivalry and the race for superior defense capabilities in the region, with both nations seeking to demonstrate their military prowess through advanced weaponry and successful interceptions.
Pakistan has categorically denied India's claims of using the Shaheen missile in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, labeling the reports as "unfounded and irresponsible" after the Indian Army shared and later deleted a video purportedly showing the missile's use.
The controversy began when the Indian Army released a video showing what it claimed was Pakistan firing the Shaheen missile, only to delete it later and describe the content as "entirely unsubstantiated." This move was followed by silence from the Indian Army, with no further clarification or retraction offered, according to Pakistan's Foreign Office. Analysts believe this misinformation campaign could be aimed at diverting attention from India's setbacks in Operation Sindoor, where Pakistan showcased its superior conventional military capabilities.
In a significant development, the Indian Army released its first video of the S-400 air defense system successfully intercepting Pakistan's Shaheen missile, confirming that Pakistan had indeed fired an N-capable Shaheen missile during recent cross-border firing. This interception underscores the capabilities of the S-400 system in neutralizing threats. However, the authenticity and context of the video have been questioned, given the earlier retraction of a similar claim and the admission that images were used "for representation only."
Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected the allegations as "unfounded," tracing the claims back to the Indian Army's video. Meanwhile, the Indian Army has acknowledged Pakistan's employment of long-range Fatah series missiles and other advanced munitions during the operation. The operation itself involved the rapid deployment of surveillance assets and air defense systems, leading to effective area domination and the neutralization of potential threats.
The incident highlights the complexities and tensions in the region, with both countries engaging in a war of words and claims over military operations and capabilities. The use of advanced weaponry like the Shaheen missile and the S-400 air defense system signifies the escalating nature of military preparedness and responses in the area.