PIB Fact Check Refutes Pakistani Propaganda Claiming Destruction of Rafale Jets and S-400 Systems During Operation Sindoor

Pakistani propaganda has been caught red-handed once again, as the Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit exposed false claims circulating on social media regarding India’s military assets. The fabricated narrative suggested that Pakistan had destroyed India’s Rafale fighter jets and S-400 air defence systems during an operation code-named “Operation Sindoor.”

At the center of this misinformation campaign is a doctored video featuring former Indian Army Chief, General Ved Prakash Malik (Retired). The manipulated footage, created using artificial intelligence technology, falsely portrays the respected military leader praising Pakistan’s military capabilities and acknowledging the supposed destruction of India’s sophisticated defence equipment.

“The video in question is fake and has been digitally manipulated using AI tools,” the PIB Fact Check stated categorically in its official response. “General Ved Prakash Malik (Retd) has NOT made any such remarks,” the agency emphasized, setting the record straight.

The fabricated content attempts to create a narrative of Pakistani military superiority, falsely claiming that Pakistan possesses more advanced weapons and equipment than India. The doctored video even suggests that the alleged destruction of Rafale jets and the S-400 missile defence system—both cutting-edge military assets recently acquired by India—serves as evidence of Pakistan’s military dominance.

These sophisticated defence platforms represent significant investments in India’s military modernization program. The Rafale is a French-made multi-role fighter aircraft known for its advanced avionics and weapons systems, while the S-400 is a Russian-designed air defence system considered among the most advanced in the world. Both systems have substantially enhanced India’s defensive and offensive capabilities in recent years.

In contrast to the manipulated footage, the PIB shared the authentic video clip where General Malik actually discusses the evolving nature of modern warfare. “During Operation Sindoor, we didn’t even cross each other’s border. Technological advancement is so immense. We now have standoff weapons; both nations have them. So we can hit each other while being away from the border,” the General stated in the original recording.

Far from acknowledging Pakistani superiority, General Malik explicitly stated in the authentic video: “But definitely, in India we have better weapons and equipment.”

This incident is not isolated but represents a pattern of information warfare that has characterized tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Social media platforms have increasingly become battlegrounds for narrative control, with state and non-state actors using increasingly sophisticated methods to spread misinformation.

The government fact-checking agency warned that such fabricated content is being deliberately circulated to “mislead citizens and undermine public confidence in India’s defence preparedness and military capabilities.” The PIB urged citizens to “Verify facts. Stop misinformation.”

Security analysts note that the use of AI to create deepfakes for propaganda purposes represents a concerning evolution in information warfare tactics. The technology allows for the creation of increasingly convincing fake videos that can be difficult for average viewers to identify as manipulated.

The incident highlights the growing importance of official fact-checking mechanisms like PIB’s dedicated unit, which plays a crucial role in quickly identifying and debunking false information before it can significantly impact public opinion or national security perceptions.

As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to simmer over various issues including the disputed Kashmir region, both nations remain vigilant against propaganda efforts designed to undermine national morale or provoke unnecessary escalations.