Pakistan’s Synthetic War: How Fake Missiles and Deepfakes Are Targeting India

Pakistan has intensified its use of synthetic media to influence public perception about its military strength and to target Indian leadership. The issue drew attention after Pakistan’s ISPR released a missile launch video that analysts later identified as edited and partly recycled. Soon, social platforms were filled with AI-altered clips showing exaggerated naval strikes, creating what experts call a digital illusion of power.

Pakistan-linked networks also circulated deepfake videos targeting India’s military leadership. A manipulated video attempted to show India’s Navy Chief, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, criticising the government and admitting false naval losses. India’s Deepfakes Analysis Unit confirmed that only the opening seconds were real, while the rest was AI-generated audio matched with authentic visuals. Similar deepfakes have been made of former Army Chief General VP Malik and other senior commanders.

Synthetic propaganda has extended to India’s democratic institutions as well. A digitally altered video of President Droupadi Murmu, falsely portraying her warning about internal instability, was circulated widely. PIB released the original footage to counter the misinformation. Another deepfake of Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi falsely claimed he supported handing over Arunachal Pradesh to China and admitted to Chinese attacks on Rafale jets.

Experts warn that Pakistan is creating a virtual battlefield using AI-generated visuals, fake radar screen and doctored war footage to project military strength and spread confusion.