Is the Indian Air Force in Trouble? Debunking the MiG-29 Shot Down Rumor!

Government Refutes MiG-29 Shot Down Claims

New Delhi: On Thursday, the Central government firmly rejected a viral claim circulating on social media that suggested a MiG-29 UPG fighter jet from the Indian Air Force (IAF) was shot down, resulting in the death of its pilot on May 7.

The PIB Fact Check unit has labeled this assertion as false, confirming that the pilot is safe, actively serving, and currently deployed.

In a post on X, the official PIB Fact Check account stated, "A post circulating on social media claims that an Indian Air Force jet MiG-29 UPG has been shot down, and the IAF pilot has died. This claim is fake. The @IAF_MCC pilot is safe, on duty, and currently deployed."

This misleading information seems to be connected to Operation Sindoor, a counter-terrorism initiative launched following a tragic attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which resulted in the loss of 26 civilian lives.

The false message, which has gained traction online, alleges that on May 7, a MiG-29 UPG was downed by a Pakistan Air Force JF-17C over Ramban in Jammu & Kashmir, leading to the death of Squadron Leader Keshav Yadav.

The misleading post claims: "7 May 2025, #IndianAirForce (#IAF) MiG-29 UPG shot down by a #PakistanAirForce JF-17C using a PL-15 LRAAM over Ramban, Jammu & Kashmir, was being piloted by Sqn. Ldr. Keshav Yadav (IAF No. 32394), who sustained injuries and died 22 May 2025 at Udhampur Military Hospital, Jammu & Kashmir. #IndiaPakistanWar #IndiaPakistanWar2025 #JF17 #MIG29."

The government has categorically dismissed this claim, asserting that no such incident occurred on May 7 or at any other time.

"The claim is entirely fabricated. No IAF aircraft has been shot down, and the pilot mentioned is alive and on active duty," the PIB Fact Check post clarified.

Officials have urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information and cautioned that disseminating false news, particularly regarding national security, could lead to serious repercussions.