Fact Check: False Claim About Sukhoi Su-30MKI Being Shot Down in Muzaffarabad

Introduction

Misinformation on social media is often used as a tool for psychological warfare, especially during times of heightened tension. A recent example of such propaganda emerged from several Pakistani social media handles, claiming that a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was shot down over Muzaffarabad and that an Indian pilot had been captured alive.

However, this claim is entirely false, and has been categorically debunked by PIB Fact Check, the official fact-checking wing of the Government of India.

The Viral Fake Claim

Several social media posts originating from Pakistan claimed:

“An Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI has been shot down in Muzaffarabad. One Indian pilot has been taken into custody.”

This alarming post, accompanied by an old image of a crashed jet, quickly spread on X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, and Facebook, stirring confusion and concern.

Fake News Alert ‼️

Pakistani social media handles are claiming that a Sukhoi Su-30MKI was shot down in Muzaffarabad, capturing an Indian Pilot alive.#PIBFactCheck

✅ This Sukhoi SU-30MKI of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed at Undre Vasti of Kulwadi village near Pune-Ahamad… pic.twitter.com/Fr5GITYQzL

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 9, 2025

PIB Fact Check Clarification

In response to the viral misinformation, @PIBFactCheck posted the following clarification:

“Fake News Alert ‼️

Pakistani social media handles are claiming that a Sukhoi Su-30MKI was shot down in Muzaffarabad, capturing an Indian Pilot alive.

✅ This Sukhoi Su-30MKI of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed at Undre Vasti of Kulwadi village near Pune-Ahmednagar highway, Maharashtra on October 14, 2014.

✅ Do not share this post. See the news report below👇
🔗 Times of India News Report”

The Truth Behind the Image

The image used in these fake posts is from a 2014 crash that occurred in Maharashtra, not anywhere near Muzaffarabad or the border region. The jet in question experienced a technical failure and went down near Pune-Ahmednagar highway. The pilot safely ejected and there was no enemy engagement involved.

Why It Matters

False military claims can:

• Undermine public trust in national defense.
• Stoke unnecessary tensions between countries.
• Be exploited to create panic or incite misinformation-based reactions.

Misinformation involving the armed forces is particularly dangerous and must be addressed immediately and responsibly.

What You Should Do

✅ Always Verify with Official Sources

• Follow @PIBFactCheck and trusted news agencies for verified updates.
• Avoid forwarding or reposting unverified information.

✅ Be Cautious with War-Related Content

• Old photos and unrelated incidents are often repackaged to mislead. Use reverse image tools if needed.

✅ Report Misinformation

• Email: factcheck@pib.gov.in
• WhatsApp: +91-8799711259

Conclusion

The claim that a Sukhoi Su-30MKI was recently shot down in Muzaffarabad is completely false. The image circulating is from a 2014 crash in Maharashtra and has no relation to current events. PIB Fact Check has urged the public not to share or believe such misleading content.

Stay informed. Stay alert. Trust only verified sources.