Security sources have categorically rejected Indian media reports claiming that a Pakistan Air Force F-16 fighter jet was shot down, calling the story “a blatant lie and fake news.”
According to the sources, India has become increasingly disoriented following the failure of its recent Harop drone incursions. They claim that repeated setbacks have left Indian decision-makers “paralysed and confused.”
“In a state of panic,” the sources allege, “India is now attempting to justify potential future aggression against Pakistan by fabricating stories of attacks in Rajasthan, Pathankot, and Indian-Occupied Kashmir.”
The Pakistan Armed Forces, they assert, are fully prepared to counter any hostile designs and remain vigilant against “India’s nefarious intentions.”
Observers note a striking resemblance between the current disinformation campaign and India's disputed narrative following the 2019 aerial skirmish during Operation Swift Retort.
At the time, Pakistan shot down two Indian fighter jets in response to Indian airstrikes in Balakot. India, however, claimed that one of its pilots, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman — who was captured after ejecting from his downed MiG-21 — had managed to shoot down a Pakistani F-16 before his own aircraft was brought down.
Pakistan denied the F-16 claim. Later that year, Foreign Policy magazine cited US defence officials who had accounted for all Pakistani F-16s and found none missing — contradicting India’s assertion.
Following the report, the then military spokesperson stated: “India’s claims about the attack and its consequences are false. It’s time India told the truth about the loss of its second jet shot down by Pakistan.”
Despite the lack of independent verification, India’s President Ram Nath Kovind awarded Wing Commander Abhinandan the Vir Chakra — India’s third-highest wartime military honour — for ‘downing’ a Pakistani F-16.
Pakistan maintains its stance that two Indian jets were shot down in 2019, and that no PAF F-16 was lost in the exchange.
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