SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy has found itself at the center of a controversy after it inadvertently featured an American F-16 fighter jet in one of its promotional videos, instead of the Russian-made MiG-29K, which is actually in service with the Indian naval aviation. The mistake, described by many as an embarrassing oversight, has sparked a wave of criticism and jest on social media platforms and among defense analysts.
The promotional video, meant to showcase the prowess and capabilities of the Indian Navy, included footage of various naval assets. However, eagle-eyed viewers quickly pointed out the inclusion of the F-16, a multirole fighter aircraft designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Air Force, which has never been part of the Indian Navy’s fleet.
The clip featured the F-16 in a sequence intended to highlight the Navy’s air capabilities, where footage of the aircraft taking off and engaging in aerial maneuvers was mistakenly used.
The internet erupted with memes, sarcastic comments, and discussions, with many questioning the Navy’s attention to detail. Defense enthusiasts and critics alike took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit to mock the error, with some suggesting it might be a case of wishful thinking or simply a lack of proper vetting of video content.
The Indian Navy operates the MiG-29K, primarily from its aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and the soon-to-be-commissioned INS Vikrant. The MiG-29K serves as the naval variant of the MiG-29, adapted for carrier operations.
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