Fact Check: Indian Rafale Pilot Shivangi Singh captured by Pakistani forces in Azad Kashmir

May 10, 2025 – A video circulating on social media, along with claims from some regional news outlets, suggests that Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, the Indian Air Force’s first female Rafale fighter pilot, may have been captured in Kotli, located in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The footage allegedly shows Pakistani security personnel approaching an ejected Indian pilot. However, the authenticity of the video remains unverified, and there has been no official confirmation from either the Indian Air Force (IAF) or the Government of India.

Indian Pilot Caught In Azaad Kashmir , Pakistan Kashmir , Sqn Ldr Shivangi singh #IndiaPakistanWar #IndianArmy #PakistanZindabad #บุญเลื่อง #IndiaPakistanWar pic.twitter.com/WHa6MRlEii

— Sameer Sheikh (@Sheikh1Sameer) May 10, 2025

Shivangi Singh, aged 29, holds a historic role in Indian military aviation, being the first and only woman selected to fly the French-made Rafale multirole fighter jet. Commissioned into the IAF in 2017, she became a fighter pilot in 2018 under a new initiative to include women in combat roles.

In past interviews, Singh has spoken of her passion for aviation, which began during a childhood visit to the Indian Air Force Museum in New Delhi. Her career has inspired many, symbolizing India’s move toward gender inclusion and modernization within its defense forces.

Reports claim she may have been involved in a recent aerial engagement amid ongoing military escalations between India and Pakistan, but the exact circumstances of the alleged capture remain unknown.

#BREAKING – 🇵🇰⚡💥🇮🇳 Unverified reports claim that Pakistani security forces detained Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh, India’s first woman Rafale fighter pilot from the Golden Arrows Squadron, after her ejection.

Singh is part of the Ambala-based squadron in Punjab. These… pic.twitter.com/2avw08ccro

— Monitor𝕏 (@MonitorX99800) May 10, 2025

Singh is also married to a fellow fighter pilot and is known for advocating greater representation of women in the armed forces.

Despite widespread speculation and viral social media content, official defense sources have not confirmed the identity of the pilot seen in the video or the incident itself. Observers urge caution, noting the risks of misinformation during times of heightened military tension.

This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more credible information becomes available.