New Delhi: In a strategic move reflecting growing unease, Pakistan’s state-run broadcaster, PTV News, has aired yet another unverified report—this time alleging that four Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighter jets were seen patrolling near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir earlier this week.
The report, citing unnamed security sources, claimed that while the Indian aircraft did not violate Pakistani airspace, their mere presence allegedly triggered a swift response from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). “Aircraft of the PAF immediately spotted the Indian fighter jets,” the report stated, further alleging that, “as a result of PAF’s diligent action, the Indian Rafale jets panicked and were forced to flee.”
However, no official statements, radar evidence, or visual proof were provided to substantiate the claims. Neither the Indian Ministry of Defence nor the Indian Air Force (IAF) has responded to these allegations, reinforcing concerns that this is yet another instance of misinformation being deployed as part of an information warfare strategy.
Disinformation as a Psychological Warfare Tool
Defense analysts emphasize that routine combat air patrols (CAPs) are frequently carried out by the IAF in high-sensitivity zones such as Jammu and Kashmir, especially using frontline assets like the Rafale. These missions are conducted within Indian airspace and are standard practice.
Senior IAF officers have dismissed PTV’s claims as an “attempt at psychological warfare,” reinforcing that India’s Rafale fleet is among the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft and operates with clear engagement protocols. “There is absolutely no question of panic. The IAF operates with full situational awareness, and these reports appear to be propaganda rather than fact,” said a retired Air Marshal who served in India’s Western Air Command.
A Pattern of Manufactured Military Narratives
This is not an isolated incident—Pakistan’s media has a history of spreading exaggerated claims, particularly during periods of heightened geopolitical tensions. Similar misinformation surfaced in the aftermath of the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, where state-backed broadcasters sought to distort battlefield events to project a narrative of military readiness.
Experts argue that such reports, lacking credibility and official substantiation, are used to shape domestic perceptions and counter India’s strategic dominance. In an era where digital propaganda can amplify misinformation rapidly, India’s defense establishment remains focused on factual communication and countering false narratives through verified information