Pakistan Navy Uses AI to Create Virtual Fleet, Spreads Deepfake War Videos on Social Media

Islamabad: In an unprecedented display of digital warfare, the Pakistan Navy has reportedly been using artificial intelligence to create a virtual naval fleet and spread deepfake videos simulating military exercises. According to Indian Navy sources, this operation aims to create confusion and project strength far beyond Pakistan’s actual naval capabilities.

AI-Powered Naval Illusions
Defense experts say Pakistan has established an “AI-driven virtual navy” to compensate for its limited real-world naval assets. Using deepfake videos, AI-generated audio, edited combat clips, and even video game footage, Pakistan is attempting to portray a powerful naval presence on social media—an image that bears little resemblance to reality. This marks a new, dangerous form of information warfare where battles are fought digitally rather than on the seas.

Targeting Indian Military Officials
Recently, the Pakistan Navy allegedly released AI-generated deepfake videos targeting Indian Navy Chief Admiral D.K. Tripathi. A viral post falsely claimed that the Indian Admiral had accused the government of restricting naval operations, causing significant air force losses. Investigations by India’s Deepfake Analysis Unit (DAU) confirmed that the videos were entirely synthetic, including AI-generated voices.

Operation Sindur: A Precedent
Indian intelligence sources reveal that such campaigns are highly organized, reminiscent of “Operation Sindur,” during which Pakistan released hundreds of fake AI videos claiming the destruction of Indian warships and aircraft. Official reports, however, confirmed no such incidents had occurred.

Fiction vs. Reality
While the Indian Navy remains actively deployed across the Arabian Sea, the actual presence of Pakistan’s fleet is limited, with most ships stationed near Karachi. Yet, through NAVAREA warnings and coordinated online propaganda, Pakistan has sought to create an aggressive maritime image. Senior Indian military officers, including former Army Chief General Ved Prakash Malik and Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, were also depicted in fake videos, later debunked by agencies like PIB, BOOM, and Newschecker.

A New Era of Information Warfare
Intelligence sources assert that previous false claims about Rafale jets, fake ceasefires, and simulated strikes are part of Pakistan’s broader doctrine of information warfare. While Pakistan may lack the capability to wage actual naval battles effectively, it has demonstrated significant expertise in fighting virtual wars through AI-powered social media campaigns.