In the aftermath of India's Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has been accused of launching a disinformation campaign, attempting to portray a narrative of successful retaliatory strikes against Indian military installations. Recent reports and analyses, however, indicate that these claims are false and based on manipulated or misrepresented imagery. Specifically, claims that Pakistan struck India's Adampur airbase have been debunked through satellite imagery analysis and on-the-ground verification.
Pakistan's claims centered around purported damage to a Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet and an S-400 air defense system at the Adampur airbase in Punjab. To support these claims, images were circulated online, allegedly showing the aftermath of the strikes. However, these images have been proven to be either outdated, digitally altered, or misinterpreted.
One image, which supposedly showed a damaged Sukhoi-30MKI, was revealed to be a satellite image taken in March 2025, months before Operation Sindoor. The image actually depicted a MiG-29 undergoing routine maintenance, with the "burn mark" identified by Pakistan being nothing more than soot buildup from engine testing. Geo-intelligence experts quickly identified the discrepancy, further undermining Pakistan's claims.
Another claim involved the destruction of an S-400 radar system at the Bhuj airbase in Gujarat. The image presented as evidence was shown to predate the conflict and likely depicted oil stains in a vehicle maintenance yard. Similarly, claims of an S-400 battery being hit at Adampur were supported by heavily edited satellite images with superimposed black spots to mimic missile impact craters. Current satellite imagery shows no such damage.
Further discrediting Pakistan's narrative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur airbase shortly after Operation Sindoor. He was photographed interacting with military personnel with an intact S-400 system visible in the background. This visit served as a clear message, directly contradicting Pakistan's claims of damage and destruction.
These instances are not isolated. Pakistan has repeatedly attempted to use manipulated imagery and misinformation to project a false sense of battlefield success. Claims of damage to the Jammu Airport were debunked by comparing the images with high-resolution, post-strike visuals, which confirmed no destruction.
The motivation behind Pakistan's disinformation campaign appears to be an attempt to counter the narrative of losses suffered during Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. With little to show in terms of actual damage to Indian military infrastructure, Pakistan has resorted to doctored images and misinformation to create a counter-narrative.
The exposure of these falsehoods highlights the importance of open-source intelligence (OSINT) and satellite imagery analysis in verifying claims during conflict situations. Independent analysts and experts have played a crucial role in debunking Pakistan's claims, ensuring that accurate information prevails. The incident also highlights the increasing reliance on information warfare tactics, where manipulating public perception becomes a key objective.
