In a move that has sparked outrage and mockery, the Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR) of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) released a propaganda video falsely portraying India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile as part of Pakistan’s arsenal. The video, titled “Safeguarding Aerial Frontiers”, was shared on May 3, 2025, via the official DGPR PAF account and has since been widely criticized for spreading military misinformation.

The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, is one of India’s most advanced strategic weapons. Known for its high speed of Mach 2.8–3.0 and a range of up to 1,500 km in extended versions, it is not possessed by Pakistan. The video’s depiction of BrahMos as a PAF asset is therefore not only inaccurate but also misleading.

Further undermining its credibility, the video includes unrelated visuals such as SpaceX rocket launches, gameplay from Call of Duty, Turkish Akinci drones, and Russian S-300/S-400 air defense systems—all misrepresented as part of Pakistan’s defense inventory. Defense analysts and social media users were quick to point out these inaccuracies, branding the video as a “fabrication” and “an embarrassment.”

This is not the first instance of such misrepresentation by the DGPR PAF. On April 29, 2025, another video titled “Pakistan Air Force Reaffirms Unwavering Commitment to National Sovereignty & Defence Excellence” similarly featured misattributed footage, including images of the BrahMos missile. These repeated acts of misinformation have drawn condemnation, especially from Indian defense circles, where the effort is being viewed as a “desperate attempt to feign military parity.”

The timing of the latest video appears calculated, coming just days after the Indian Navy successfully test-fired a BrahMos missile during a combat exercise, reaffirming India’s military strength amid simmering tensions with Pakistan. Observers see the PAF’s misleading video as a counter-narrative that has backfired due to its blatant factual distortions.

Ironically, the use of BrahMos in the PAF video has resurrected memories of the 2022 incident when an Indian BrahMos missile accidentally entered Pakistani airspace and went undetected for 124 km before crashing near Mian Channu. The failure of Pakistan’s air defense to intercept the missile at the time raised serious questions about its surveillance capabilities—now contrasted sharply by the PAF’s appropriation of the same missile in propaganda.

Critics also question the ethical implications of such military propaganda, especially in a region fraught with volatility and nuclear risk. By misrepresenting military assets, analysts argue, Pakistan may be undermining its own credibility at home and abroad.

As of now, the Indian government has not issued an official response, but public sentiment in India has been overwhelmingly critical, viewing the video as both a slight to national innovation and an irresponsible act of information warfare.

This episode further highlights the growing challenges of managing propaganda and misinformation in South Asia, where strategic messaging can have profound implications for peace and stability.

In a powerful display of patriotism, hundreds of retired Indian military officers have volunteered to return to active duty as tensions between India and Pakistan escalate following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the loss of 26 civilian lives. The attack, attributed to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked Resistance Front (TRF), has reignited security concerns along the India-Pakistan border and prompted a strong response from New Delhi.

One of the most notable offers came from Captain Amar Jeet (Retd.), who served in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. His letter, addressed to General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, has garnered significant attention for its heartfelt appeal and readiness to serve the nation once more. In his letter, Captain Jeet emphasized his deep sense of duty, drawing upon his past experiences and the sacrifices made by soldiers in previous conflicts. “Once a soldier, always a soldier,” he declared, echoing the sentiments of numerous veterans who have stepped forward during this critical time.

The backdrop to this wave of volunteerism is the deteriorating relationship between India and Pakistan. The Pahalgam attack has led to a suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India, which Pakistan has condemned as an “act of war.” In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to dismantle terrorist networks, while Pakistan’s defense minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has warned of a potential military incursion by India, placing Pakistan on high alert.

Despite ceasefire violations along the border and rising tensions, the Indian Army has reported no casualties on its side as of late April 2025. These violations, marking the second consecutive night of such incidents, further underscore the fragile security situation in the region. Meanwhile, protests outside the Pakistan High Commission in London have condemned Pakistan’s alleged support for terror groups, reflecting widespread international outrage.

Captain Jeet’s letter, while a symbol of unwavering commitment, has also raised concerns about privacy. His personal contact details and address were inadvertently shared in the document, sparking debates over the handling of sensitive information, particularly for individuals associated with the military.

As India navigates the volatile situation, the readiness of its veterans to return to service underscores a deep-rooted sense of duty and loyalty to the nation. While it remains uncertain whether their expertise will be called upon, their gesture has already resonated widely, earning admiration and respect from across the country. The offer of these seasoned military professionals serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s strength, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between India’s armed forces and its citizens.

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing sustainable infrastructure, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut has teamed up with the Indian Army to develop India’s first geothermal-based Net Zero Energy Building at CWE Jhansi. This collaboration, led by Prof. Prasad Krishna, Director of NIT Calicut, and Prof. A. Shaija, Chairperson of the Centre for Clean Energy and Circular Economy (CCECE), promises to redefine the future of green energy and sustainable defense infrastructure.

The project is part of an ambitious effort to incorporate geothermal technology for heating and cooling applications, addressing India’s growing energy needs while reducing the environmental impact of military operations. The building, powered by a geothermal system and supplemented by rooftop solar panels, generates more energy than it consumes annually, achieving an impressive Energy Performance Index (EPI) below 35.

Col. Akhil Singh Charak of the Indian Army and Arijit Ghosh, Managing Director of SAP Automation Pvt. Ltd., are key figures in validating and advancing this cutting-edge project. Dr. Vinod Kumar Sharma and Dr. Deepa S. N., from CCECE, visited the site to engage in strategic discussions on the potential of geothermal energy to drive energy independence and carbon-neutral operations in defense infrastructure.

This collaborative effort highlights the Indian Army’s commitment to environmental sustainability, showcasing the potential of renewable energy solutions to reduce CO₂ emissions significantly. By reducing reliance on traditional energy sources, this project sets a new standard for eco-friendly military infrastructure in India, emphasizing the Army’s vision of self-sufficiency and energy resilience.

With the completion of this project, India moves one step closer to realizing a future where defense and energy infrastructure work hand in hand towards a cleaner, greener future.