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A fake letter attributed to a DRDO scientist is circulating online, sparking concerns over the credibility and safety of India’s defence capabilities. The letter claimed that components of the BrahMos missile system have failed.
The document quickly gained attention on social media, prompting a response from the government’s official fact-checking arm.
PIB Fact Check Labels Letter As Fake
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit has officially declared the letter fake.
In a post shared via X (formerly Twitter), PIB clarified that the letter had not been issued by DRDO and that no such individual as ‘AS Kumar’ exists within ARDE.
🚨 Fake Letter Alert 🚨
A letter undersigned by scientist AS Kumar from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is being circulated online alleging a failure in BrahMos missile components.#PIBFactCheck
❌ The letter is fake
⚠️ @DRDO_India has not issued any… pic.twitter.com/Spd2Hy0QTi
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 7, 2025
A letter claiming a failure in BrahMos missile components, allegedly signed by DRDO scientist AS Kumar, is circulating online. The letter is fake. DRDO has not issued any such letter. PIB Fact Check wrote that ARDE does not have a scientist named AS Kumar.
DRDO Denies Involvement; Confirms No BrahMos Failure
DRDO also confirmed that it had not published or endorsed any communication about a supposed failure in the BrahMos missile system.
The defence agency emphasised that all components of the missile function as intended and remain under constant monitoring and development to ensure top performance.
Officials at DRDO expressed concern that such misinformation not only misleads the public but also attempts to damage the reputation of India’s defence technology sector and armed forces.
Government Urges Public To Verify Information
In response to the circulation of the forged letter, PIB urged citizens to verify information from official sources before believing or sharing unverified content.
The agency also requested that people refrain from spreading such misinformation, which can harm national interest and public confidence.
The government has repeatedly encouraged the public to report dubious claims or suspicious documents to official channels, such as PIB Fact Check, to help curb the spread of fake news.
Background On BrahMos Missile
India and Russia jointly developed the BrahMos, a supersonic cruise missile.
India considers it one of the most advanced weapons systems in its arsenal, valuing its precision, speed, and reliability.
Any misinformation about such a system can have serious implications for national security discourse.
Also Read: ‘Operation Sindoor’ Triggers Online Fake News Blitz From Pakistan
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