Throughout the globe, we’re all eagerly awaiting updates because the unease rises between Iran and Pakistan. Particulars have been gradual to return in throughout this chaotic time. Initially, Pakistan’s remarks following the “preemptive strikes” implied that the scenario wouldn’t worsen.
However, a cloud of fear shaped when a publish on social media claimed Iran had taken down an F-16 and a JF-17 fighter jet—each equipped to them by America and China respectively.
Let’s rewind and dive right into a comparable occasion that occurred between India and Pakistan about 5 years in the past. The rumor unfold like wildfire earlier than it was lastly debunked as false data.
The origin of the rumor
Discovering the precise origin of this rumor proves robust. But, it’s clear it circulated extensively by way of standard Indian social media accounts, catching a lot of eyes earlier than it will definitely died down.
A social media account named “The Frontal Drive,” adopted by over 100,000 folks, together with some outstanding Indian media figures, proclaimed, that Pakistan Airforce despatched JF-17 to the realm the place Iran fired missiles, however one of many JF-17 is now lacking because it was near the Iranian border, probably shot down by Iranian air defenses. This publish from 10.41 am on January 17, 2024, received a powerful 1,92,000 views.
However, reviews point out that the Pakistani Air Drive’s [PAF] retaliatory strikes in Iranian territories occurred early on January 18th.
“The Frontal Drive” supplied one other replace on January 18, suggesting, that there are reviews that not less than 2 PAF jets attacking Iran have been shot by Iranian air defenses on excessive alert since yesterday. This publish was seen nearly a million occasions.
‘Voice Unchained’
The PAF has deployed Chinese language-made fighter jets JF-17 ‘Thunder’ and J-10C’ Vigorous Dragon’ for its operations in opposition to Iran, together with the Chinese language Unmanned Aerial Car Wing Loong II in its operation named ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar’, translating to “demise to the guerrilla fighters.”
These occasions adopted Iran’s earlier aggressive habits on Pakistani territory, which included launching ballistic missiles. The nations share an roughly 900 km lengthy, porous border.
One other account known as “Voice Unchained” tweeted, that Iran had simply shot down one F-16 and JF-17 of Pakistan air power. Love how they’re battling themselves. This tweet from January 20, even included alleged footage. The publish garnered 16,400 views.
“Shaligram Prasad Singh” shared similar footage earlier, stating, that Iran has simply shot down one F-16 and JF-17 of Pakistan air power, which drew in 1,76,500 viewers.
‘Simply shot down’ is all over the place
An account named Akshit Singh [with 35,000 followers] circulated the clip, tweeting, that Iran has simply shot down one F-16 and JF-17 of Pakistan air power. Each jets have been attempting to intrude on Iran’s territory. One other main embarrassment for the USA and China. This warfare is escalating. This tweet collected 13,000 likes and a staggering 542,000 views.
In keeping with EurAsian Occasions, not less than 12 completely different accounts have been perpetuating this faux information. The unfold was so important, the EurAsian Occasions stated, that it led an lively Indian ambassador to contact the publication to get the newest insights and updates.
A ‘downed JF-17’ is a dream for India
News of a JF-17 being shot down might have stirred up emotions of hope for a lot of in India. It is because the jet is a joint creation of China and Pakistan, two main adversaries of India. Curiously, the JF-17 was utilized by Pakistan in Operation Swift Retort in retaliation to India’s strikes in Balakot. This motion resulted within the downing of an Indian MiG-21 jet and the detention of an Indian pilot.
The JF-17 Thunder is a gentle, multi-purpose fight plane co-produced by China and Pakistan. Since 2009, PAC Kamra has equipped round 120 JF-17 Block I and II jets to the Pakistan Air Drive. Sadly, regardless of being a part of the PAF since 2007, the JF-17 has encountered a number of crashes. There are reviews of frequent grounds because of flaws in information vanes, exhaust nozzles, and flame stabilizers. In a separate incident, Myanmar needed to floor its Chinese language JF-17 fleet because of technical points.
The grounding was reportedly because of “vibration points” within the JF-17’s airframe, inflicting vulnerabilities, particularly in wingtips and hardpoints, when the plane experiences sturdy gravitational forces.
The JF-17, dubbed the PAF’s “gem”, is going through extreme upkeep difficulties, largely because of a lack of spare elements availability within the aftermath of US sanctions. The absence of promptly accessible spare elements and correct upkeep companies is the principal concern the JF-17 fleet faces. Any disruptions in Pakistan’s provide chain to China may result in the fleet’s grounding.
Whereas the precise variety of non-operational JF-17s has not been publicly shared by Pakistan, it’s estimated that a part of the fleet is grounded because of earlier points. China has emerged as a vital protection provider for Pakistan, given the growing terrorist assaults and financial debt within the nation. The PAF is urgently looking for new plane because it plans to retire 250 of its older fashions within the upcoming decade, which incorporates the French-built Mirage III and Mirage 5 fleets.
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