Tag Archives: Fighter

Did UAE freeze French fighter jet deal over Pavel Durov arrest?!

Did the UAE freeze a French fighter jet deal after France arrested Telegram CEO Pavel Durov?! Take a look at the viral claims and video, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : UAE froze French fighter jet deal over Pavel Durov arrest!

People are sharing news reports and/or an Al Jazeera video, which purportedly claim that the UAE just froze its contract to purchase 80 fighter jets from France, over its arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov.

Firstpost : #FPWorld: Following the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has suspended the deal with France for 80 warplanes, according to a report.

Financial Express : UAE cancels $20 billion Rafale deal with France despite Telegram CEO’s release

Kim Dotcom : The French Govt just lost $17 billion over the arrest of Pavel Durov. The UAE froze a deal to purchase 80 Rafale fighter jets and says that the arrest of Pavel Durov is outrageous. Pavel is a citizen of the UAE and a close friend of the Deputy Prime Minister Hamdan Al Maktoum.

Chuck Callesto : SHOCK REPORT: ⚠️United Arab Emirates government look to have FROZEN BILLIONS OF DOLLARS worth of contracts with France after the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov..

Zlatti71. : The UAE has frozen a contract to purchase 80 fighter jets from France: Durov’s arrest has angered the sheikhs.

– The United Arab Emirates took drastic measures by freezing a contract to purchase 80 French fighter jets following the arrest of Pavel Durov.

– The creator of Telegram, who is personally acquainted with the son of the UAE Prime Minister, found himself at the center of an international scandal that has infuriated the sheikhs to the limit.

– Experts believe that by its actions, France has made a serious mistake, provoking the anger of influential allies. Now, Paris is paying for its rashness, and the future of the deal, as well as the trust of the UAE, hangs by a thread.

Suppressed News. : BREAKING: The UAE has frozen a contract to purchase 80 fighter jets from France worth at-least $10B as a response to Telegram Owner Pavel Durov’s arrest as it has angered the sheikhs.

Mete Sohtaoğlu : 📹📸 #UAE- The United Arab Emirates has frozen its contract to purchase 80 Rafale fighter jets from France worth a staggering €17 billion over the arrest of Telegram owner Pavel Durov

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Truth : UAE did not freeze French fighter jet deal over Pavel Durov arrest!

This appears to be yet another example of Russian propaganda, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : No evidence UAE froze French fighter jet deal

Let me start by pointing out that there is no evidence that the United Arab Emirates froze its 2021 deal to purchase 80 Rafale F4 fighter jets.

If that actually happened, it would have been announced by the UAE authorities, and condemned by the French government. As a public-listed company, Dassault would also have to issue a statement on such a shocking development. It would also have resulted in widespread coverage by the mainstream media.

Yet, none of that happened. This fake news appears to have proliferated mainly through Telegram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Fact #2 : Al Jazeera video is fake

The viral Al Jazeera video, which claims that the UAE has frozen its contract to purchase 80 fighter jets from France, is fake. Al Jazeera never created, nor posted, this video.

The last time Al Jazeera ever posted about any arms deal between the UAE and France, was on 4 December 2021, when it reported on the UAE and France signing an arms deal involving 80 Rafael fighter jets and 12 military helicopters.

To be clear – Al Jazeera never made or posted the viral video below, or its contents:

The UAE has frozen the contract actions for the purchase of 80 fighter aircraft from France. This comes after the arrest of businessman Pavel Durov in Paris.

It is known that the UAE Prime Minister vetoed the continuation of action on the contract. Experts believe that the contract freeze is directly related to the arrest of UAE citizen Pavel Durov.

Pavel Durov had direct contact with the son of Emirati Prime Minister Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. Thanks to the influence of Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Pavel Durov was granted UAE citizenship in 2021.

80 Rafale F4 fighter aircraft were due for delivery in 2027. The estimated value of the contract is about $10 billion. Amid the scandal surrounding Pavel Durov, the contract has been frozen. That could be a serious image blow for the French military-industrial complex.

Political analyst Marwan Bishara is sure that such a decision by the UAE is a consequence of a political mistake by the French government.

“Detaining a businessman who assets are based in the UAE on far-fetched charges that cast a shadow over the entire UAE is a sure way to spoil diplomatic relations between France and the UAE.”

Marwan Bishara emphasises that the UAE leadership has not been notified of France’s intentions regarding their citizen.

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https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Fake-Al-Jazeera-video-that-UAE-froze-French-fighter-jet-contract-over-Pavel-Durova-arrest-small-with-overlay.mp4?_=1

Fact #2 : Fake Al Jazeera report started in Telegram

Ironically, this fake Al Jazeera report appears to have originated in Telegram. According to Maria Dubovikova (archive) who traced this hoax, here is the timeline on 27 August 2024 (Moscow Time):

20:29 : Russian Telegram group Condottiero posted (translated) – “The UAE unilaterally suspended the contract for the purchase of 80 French fighter jets due to Durov’s arrest. Additionally, the Sheikhs are considering a complete blockade of trade operations with France, including in the defense sector.”

20:35 : Russian Telegram group Topaz posted (translated) – “The United Arab Emirates have frozen the contract to purchase 80 fighter jets from France following the arrest of Pavel Durov. They are also considering the possibility of a complete blockade of military-technical cooperation with France.”

By 11 PM (23:00), a fake video appeared on X, mimicking an Al Jazeera news video with this information. This video was never on the Qatari outlet’s platforms.

The fake news then spread outside of Russian Telegram channels, after being shared by Western opinion leaders like Kim Dotcom, Candace Owens, Chuck Callesto, etc.

Fact #3 : No evidence Marwan Bishara ever mentioned Pavel Durov

I could also find no evidence that Marwan Bishara ever commented on Pavel Durov, or his arrest by French authorities, or any response by the UAE government or leaders.

In fact, Marwan Bishara has not written any opinion piece for Al Jazeera for more than half a year – his last piece was posted on 24 November 2023, and it was about the Gaza war.

Fact #4 : UAE to receive Rafale F4 fighter jets only in 2027

There is also the inconvenient fact that Dassault is only expected to ship its first Rafale F4 fighter jet to the UAE in 2027, which is 3 years away. So there is nothing to freeze, so to speak.

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did Russia Just Shoot Down US Drone Over Black Sea?!

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Did Russia just shoot down a US drone flying over the Black Sea?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Russia Just Shot Down US Drone Over Black Sea!

People are claiming that Russia just shot down a US drone flying over the Black Sea!

US Civil Defense News : 🚨We reported it first! Before it happened!! Now Russia just shot down a US Drone over the Black Sea!!

US Civil Defense News : 🚨🚨🚨Update: Russian revenge!! Reports are coming out that Russian air defense forces shot down an American RQ-4 Global Hawk, a $100 million dollar drone over the Black Sea!!! 🔥🔥🔥

US Civil Defense News : 🚨Update: Report that a Russian MiG-31 fighter jet shot down the US RQ-4B Global Hawk over the Black Sea near Crimea where the US surveillance drone was providing targeting information to NATO missiles in Ukraine!!

SilencedSirs : ⚡️BREAKING: An American drone has been shot down over the Black Sea by Russia – Fighterbomber (linked to Russian Air Force). 🇷🇺 🇺🇸

Russia said there will be consequences for the US after ATACMS hit Crimea. #Russia #USA #BlackSea #Drone #Crimea #ATACMS #Geopolitics

Russian Market : #BREAKING US DRONE SHOT DOWN IN THE BLACK SEA – UNCONFIRMED

⚡️Waiting for confirmation ⚠️

❗️Military bloggers hint at the destruction of an American drone over the Black Sea by the Russian Aerospace Forces

A start. Congratulations to everyone involved. Handsome guys! We are expecting OK from the Pindos about “unprofessional actions.” There is now increased turbulence in the Black Sea. Let’s see whether it’s on an ongoing basis or whether it was a one-time event.

There have been no official statements at this time. It could probably be an RQ-4 Global Hawk.

No Evidence Russia Just Shot Down US Drone Over Black Sea!

This appears to be just more misinformation / Russian propaganda circulating online, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : No Evidence Russia Shot Down US Drone

Let me start by pointing out that there is no evidence that Russia just shot down a US drone flying over the Black Sea.

These claims appear to be made by pro-Russian social media accounts. There has not been any official confirmation from the Russian Ministry of Defense, or even official Russian media outlets.

Needless to say – none of those people making these claims actually provided any evidence that a Russian MiG-31 fighter jet shot down a US drone over the Black Sea.

Fact #2 : US Military Said There Was No Incident Over Black Sea

A US military official told Idress Ali of Reuters, that no incident had been reported over the Black Sea.

Idrees Ali : A U.S. military official says no incident has been reported over the Black Sea.

Fact #3 : US Drone Apparently Landed Safely

In addition, WarZone – News (Telegram) and other analysts (example) pointed out the US drone which Russia allegedly shot down apparently landed safely at around 2 AM Moscow time, on 24 June 24, 2024 at the Sigonella Air Base in Sicily, Italy.

The RQ-4B Global Hawk strategic reconnaissance drone with callsign Forte 10, operating yesterday off the coast of Crimea, which the Russians said they had shot down, returned “safely” to the Sigonella base in Italy on or around June 24, 2024 to 2:00 Moscow time.

Fact #4 : US Drones Are Flying In International Airspace

The US Air Force has been conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions using RQ-4B Global Hawk and MQ-4C Triton drones in the Black Sea to monitor Russian military movements in Crimea.

Russia has threatened to take stronger actions against US and NATO drones flying in the Black Sea. However, those drones are flying in international airspace, and Russia cannot simply shoot them down. That would have been considered a “casus belli“.

While Russia sometimes intercepts and monitors such drone flights, it has rarely attacked them, because it would have caused an international incident. That was what happened in March 2023, when a Russian Su-27 fighter jet damaged an American MQ-9 Reaper drone.

On 14 March 2023, two Russian Su-27 fighter jets intercepted a USAF MQ-9 Reaper drone on the way to a reconnaissance mission over the Black Sea. The Russian planes repeatedly flew past the drone to dump fuel on it. It was likely one of these attempts that damaged the drone’s propeller, forcing it to ditch in the Black Sea.

That incident was strongly condemned by the White House and the Pentagon. The Russian Defense Ministry made it a point to state that its fighter jets did not fire any weapons or make contact with the drone.

The Russian fighters did not use their airborne weapons, did not make contact with the drone, and returned safely to their home airfield.

Regardless of what Russia thinks of these drone flights, it would not dare to shoot down any US drone, especially if it’s flying in international airspace.

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Did Iran Just Shoot Down Israeli F-35 Over Isfahan?!

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Did Iran just shoot down an Israeli F-35 fighter over Isfahan?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Iran Just Shot Down Israeli F-35 Over Isfahan!

People are sharing a video on social media, claiming or suggesting that Iran just shot down an Israeli F-35 fighter over Isfahan!

Joseph / Athar / Imran Haider : 🚨BREAKING🚨

IRANIAN NTI AIR CAPABILITIES SEEN DESTROYING THE FIRST ISRAELI F-35 IN HISTORY OVER ISFAHAN

Kuvira Regime Team : Can confirm. I’m seeing this video all over Persian telegram channels

https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Thermos-QR-code-scam-video.mp4?_=2

Truth : Iran Did Not Shot Down Israeli F-35 Over Isfahan!

This appears to be yet another example of fake news circulating online, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : That Video Was From A Video Game

The viral video does not actually show Iran anti-aircraft personnel shooting down an Israeli F-35 over Isfahan.

It is really just a clip from a gameplay video called “Anti-Air C-RAM System in Action shot down Fighter Jets – Surface-to-Air Missile – Mil-Sim – ArmA 3“.

The gameplay video was recorded using the game, ArmA 3, which is also known as ArmA III or Armed Assault 3 – an open-world, military tactical shooter game by Bohemia Interactive.

This particular gameplay video was posted on YouTube by Compared Comparison on 30 July 2022, so obviously it has nothing to do with the Israeli strike on Iran in April 19, 2024.

Fact #2 : F-35 Does Not Have Canards

Compared Comparison did not state what fighter jets were featured in the video, only that they were shot down using the the 20mm gatling gun on the C-RAM/Phalanx CIWS.

However, if you look closely at the aircraft in the viral video, you can see that it has canards – small wings in front of the main wings. It could be any one of these fighter jets with canards:

Eurofighter Typhoon
Dassault Rafale
Saab JAS 39 Gripen

But the aircraft in the viral video is most certainly not the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lighting II, which lacks any canards.

Fact #3 : It Was Posted As Houthi Shooting Down F-15 Earlier

The perpetrator of this hoax, Joseph, asked his followers to “please go into the comments and call out all the fraudsters saying its fake, thank you.”

Not only did he falsely misrepresent the video as Iran shooting down an F-35 over Isfahan, he actually posted the same video on 12 January 2024, claiming that it showed Houthi forces shooting down an American F-15:

Joseph : 🚨BREAKING🚨

HOUTHI ANTI AIR CAPABILITIES SEEN DESTROYING THE FIRST AMERICAN F-15 OF THE WAR OVER SANA’A, YEMEN.

He even used the same syntax for that fake claim!

Fact #4 : Israel Only Launched A Drone Strike

Regardless of the fake video, it is impossible for Iran to shoot down any Israeli F-35 fighter jets, because Israel never sent any on 19 April 2024.

The April 19 strike by Israel used drone, as well as at least one missile. No Israeli fighter jets – F-35, or otherwise, were involved.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did Ukrainian Pilot Defect To Russia With NATO Tech?!

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Did a senior Ukrainian pilot just defect to Russia with his Su-27 fighter loaded with NATO missiles, and electronics?!

Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Ukrainian Su-27 Pilot Defected To Russia

People are sharing two photos of a Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet, claiming / suggesting that it was just flown to Russia by a defecting Ukrainian flight commander, fully-loaded with NATO missiles, radar, and electronic warfare equipment.

Spetsnaℤ 007 🇷🇺 : So this appeared in the base today😁

A Ukrainian “flight commander” flew a SU-27 jet over the Russian border and landed in one of our bases.

Can’t wait for the F-16…

Intelligence FRONT : A senior pilot who served as a squadron commander in the Ukrainian Air Force escaped with a Su-27 jet and took refuge in Russia. It is said that the pilot arrived with a large amount of information, documents and some intact western-made missiles, radar and electronic warfare pod on the plane. This is the first time such an incident has occurred, and the fact that the incoming pilot is a high-ranking figure with plenty of documentation, and that the planes are already NATO integrated and carry NATO equipment and missiles, constitutes a historical opportunity for the Russians regarding NATO air equipment and missiles. It was also a chance to obtain extensive information about the situation of the Ukrainian Air Force and air defense forces, as well as NATO activities in the country.

US Civil Defense News :🚨Update: Ukrainian flight captain decided he wanted to live and defected to Russia, flying and landing his fighter jet in Russia. They realize the war is over. They lost. It’s time to move on!!!

No Evidence Ukrainian Su-27 Pilot Defected To Russia!

This appears to be another example of FAKE NEWS / VATNIK PROPAGANDA circulating on X (formerly Twitter), and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Photos Were Taken At RIAT 1996

First, let me just point out that the claim or suggestion that a Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet with the tail number 48 just defected to Russia is definitely false.

The two photos of the same Ukrainian Su-27 aircraft with the tail number 48 were not taken recently, or even in Ukraine or Russia.

The photos are of a Ukrainian Su-27S at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) show, was held at RAF Fairfore in Gloucestershire in the UK. They were taken in July 1996 – more than 27 years ago!

The photo above was taken by Mike Freer, who captioned it as a Ukrainian Su-27S “departing RIAT 96”.

The photo below was taken by Peter Fothergill, who took his photo on 19 July 1996, but only uploaded it to the AirFighters website on 1 September 2020.

Fact #2 : No Evidence Of Pilot Defecting With Su-27

Claims that a senior Ukrainian officer or flight commander defected to Russia with a Su-27 fighter jet loaded with NATO missiles and electronics have been circulating on X (formerly Twitter) since 18 November 2023.

However, none of those who posted the news have actually provided any evidence that such a defection took place.

The defection of a senior Ukrainian pilot would have been major news, especially if he flew a Su-27 fighter jet loaded with NATO missiles and electronics to Russia. Yet, Russian news media have not mentioned such a stunning development.

Fact #3 : Ka-52 Pilot Reported A Pilot Defection

The claims appear to be based on a short report by the Russian state news agency, TASS. On 18 November 2023, TASS reported that a Ukrainian military pilot defected to Russia.

According to Alexey Voyevoda – a Ka-52 helicopter pilot who organised the flight, the pilot is now “consulting with the Federal Security Service”.

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. A military pilot of the Ukrainian armed forces has defected to Russia, a Ka-52 helicopter pilot, who organized the flight, told TASS.

“The Ukrainian military pilot is in Russia, consulting with the Federal Security Service,” Alexey Voyevoda said.

Voyevoda explained that he cannot yet disclose the details of this operation.

You will note that the TASS report never said that it was a senior pilot, or a flight commander. It also never said that the pilot flew to Russia with a Su-27 fighter jet, much less one loaded with NATO missiles or electronics.

Fact #4 : Ka-52 Extraction Is Plausible

The Kamov Ka-52 Alligator (Hokum B) is a two-seater helicopter, seating a pilot and a gunner side-by-side.

While it is not capable of carrying any passengers, it is possible for a Ka-52 pilot like Alexey Voyevoda to fly into Ukraine without a gunner, to extract a defecting Ukrainian pilot.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did US Paint Chinese Balloon Kill On F-22 Fighter Jet?!

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Did the US Air Force paint a balloon kill on the F-22 fighter jet that shot down the Chinese spy balloon?!

Take a look at the viral photo, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : US Painted Chinese Balloon Kill On F-22 Fighter Jet!

Pro-CCP netizens are either mocking or criticising the US Air Force for painting a balloon kill on the F-22 fighter jet that shot down the Chinese spy balloon!

美军F-22战斗机创造了当今最高高度空中击杀记录：6万5千英尺。
据说回来后还给飞机纹了个图案纪念战功，你们说气人不？

The U.S. F-22 fighter jet has created the current record for the highest altitude air kill: 65,000 feet. It is said that after returning, he even tattooed a pattern on the plane to commemorate the military exploits. Don’t you think it is annoying?

Well here it is the #Balloon decal 😁

五毛：高射炮打蚊子‼️

北京时间2月5日03:39，从美国弗吉尼亚州兰利空军基地起飞的一架F-22战斗机，在近18000米（58000英尺）高度发射的一枚价值约40万美元的AIM-9X“响尾蛇”红外制导空空导弹，击落了一个在20000米左右（65000英尺）高度飞行的价值数百美元的中共高空气球，气球残骸随后坠落于南卡罗来纳州近海海域。

Fifty cents: anti-aircraft weapon hit mosquitoes‼ ️

At 03:39 on February 5, Beijing time, an F-22 fighter jet that took off from Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, USA, launched an AIM-9X worth about 400,000 US dollars at an altitude of nearly 18,000 meters (58,000 feet). The “Sidewinder” infrared-guided air-to-air missile shot down a CCP high-altitude balloon worth hundreds of dollars flying at an altitude of about 20,000 meters (65,000 feet), and the balloon wreckage then fell in the waters off the coast of South Carolina.

Truth : US Did Not Paint Chinese Balloon Kill On F-22 Fighter Jet!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created and propagated by the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛), and pro-CCP netizens, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : It Was First Official F-22 Air-to-Air Kill

First, we need to acknowledge that the shooting down of the Chinese spy balloon was officially the first air-to-air kill for the F-22 Raptor fighter jet.

Although the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor entered US Air Force service in December 2005, it has not engaged in any air-to-air combat. Its combat sorties had so far consisted of very limited bombing missions in the Middle East.

So shooting down the Chinese spy balloon was the first time the F-22 was “blooded” in air combat, albeit against an easy target that could not manoeuvre to evade, or fire back.

I mention this point because it is entirely possible and legitimate for the pilot to paint a balloon kill on his F-22 fighter jet.

Fact #2 : Viral Photo Was Edited From 2020 Photo

While it is possible that the F-22 fighter jet that shot down the Chinese spy balloon may sport a kill marking of some sort, there was no official release of any photo of such a kill marking or decal.

What I can confirm is that the viral photo was edited, by painting a white balloon onto a photo originally posted by the Edwards Air Force Base on April 3, 2020.

Here is a photo comparison I created, showing the Edwards Air Force Base Facebook post, and the fake viral photo.

Fact #3 : FRANK01 Flew From Langley Air Force Base

The viral photo shows an F-22 Raptor flown by Major Brandon Burfeind from the 411th Flight Test Squadron, based out of Edwards Air Force Base in California. His F-22 fighter jet has a fuselage number 007, and the airframe number 91-4007.

The F-22 Raptor that shot down the Chinese spy balloon was flown by an unnamed pilot using the callsign FRANK01, from the Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.

While we do not know the name or rank of the FRANK01 pilot yet, his F-22 fighter jet is definitely not the same as the one shown in the viral photo, as he is based on a different USAF base in a different state.

Interesting note : The FRANK01 callsign is an apparent homage to World War I Medal of Honor recipient First Lieutenant Frank Luke Jr., who is known as the “Arizona Balloon Buster” for shooting down 14 German balloons, as well as four planes.

Fact #4 : This Is Just Chinese Propaganda

This appears to be yet another example of Chinese propaganda created by the infamous Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛), or pro-CCP netizens.

All of the wumao articles and videos that I looked at so far have proven to be false… at every instance. So please watch out for such false claims.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Why US Shot Down Chinese Spy Balloon With Missile!

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Find out why the US Air Force shot down the Chinese spy balloon using an expensive $400,000 AIM-9X Sidewinder missile!

Claim : US Shot Down Spy Balloon Using Expensive Missile!

Pro-CCP netizens are mocking the US government for shooting down a cheap Chinese weather balloon using an expensive $400,000 AIM-9X Sidewinder missile!

US so panic of a balloon

they sent FOUR (4) fighter jets (2 x F-22s, 2 x F-15s) to “survey the situation”, before firing that $400k AIM-9x Sidewinder A2A missile to shoot the balloon down.

America used a $400,000 missile fired from a $216,000,000 fighter jet to shoot down…

… a weather balloon.

China can just send more balloons….

Why US Shot Down Chinese Spy Balloon With Missile!

This is yet another example of PROPAGANDA created and propagated by the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛), and pro-CCP netizens, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : There Were Two Chinese Balloons

On Friday, February 3, 2023, China admitted that the massive balloon hovering over the US state of Montana belonged to them, but claimed that it was a weather balloon and not a spy balloon.

Later that same Friday, a second balloon was spotted over Latin America. It took China another 3 days to admit that it was theirs, and another “weather balloon” that was “blown off course”.

Fact #2 : Chinese Balloon Was Not A Weather Balloon

Weather balloons are common – thousands are launched daily across the world to collect information on the temperature, wind and moisture in the upper atmosphere.

Weather balloons are not very large – expanding from 6 feet (1.8 metres) to 20 feet (6 metres) in diameter as they rise in altitude. Their payloads are also small, consisting of a small box with a few sensors.

The Chinese weather balloon that the US Air Force just shot down is not only much larger at around 90 feet (27.5 metres) wide, it also has a very large payload that includes large solar panels, and even propellers to control its movement.

The kinds of weather balloons that are launched twice a day from Weather Service offices are typically just a little box that has a temperature sensor, relative humidity sensor, pressure sensor and then a little tiny transmitter. Based on the photos that have been going around, there’s obviously a lot more equipment on this one.
– Alexandra Anderson-Frey, Professor of Atmospheric Science at the University of Washington

Real weather balloons also do not travel far – they generally go up to a high altitude and stay there. Spy balloons, on the other hand, need to travel long distances. This Chinese balloon has travelled all the way from China to Alaska to Canada, before reaching the continental United States.

The reported characteristics of this balloon don’t really match anything that we’re familiar with. This has been traveling at a much longer distance than what would be these standard weather balloons.

[Standard weather balloons] go up over one particular place and up to about 50,000 feet in the atmosphere, and then that’s it, they’re done. They don’t travel large distances, so I think that there’s pretty significant differences between typical weather balloons and this reported balloon.
– Jonathan Porter, Chief Meteorologist at Accuweather

Fact #3 : Chinese Balloon Was At Very High Altitude

The US Air Force sent two F-22 Raptor stealth fighters to take down the spy balloon, with two F-15 fighters to probably take videos and photos of the event.

While Chinese netizens may snigger at how the USAF has to use such an expensive fighter jet to shoot down a cheap Chinese balloon, they ignore the fact that the Chinese spy balloon was operating at a very high altitude of about 65,000 feet – that’s 20 km above ground level!

The F-22 Raptor was likely chosen for the task as it was most capable of flying to such a high altitude while loaded with missiles. Many jet fighters have “similar” maximum service ceilings, but their true service ceilings are often much lower, limited by the amount of armament and/or fuel they carry.

Fact #4 : Missile Was Necessary To Shoot Down Balloon

In the end, the F-22 Raptor with the callsign FRANK01 attained an altitude of 58,000 feet (17.7 km) before firing an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile at the balloon. It was the first air-to-air combat kill for the F-22.

While Chinese netizens mocked the use of such an expensive missile, the AIM-9X Sidewinder is the smallest and cheapest air-to-air missile in the USAF arsenal.

It would be impossible for the F-22 Raptor pilot to use its 20 mm M61A2 Vulcan rotary cannon to shoot down the balloon, which is still 7,000 feet (2.1 km) above it!

In case you are wondering – the M61A2 Vulcan has an effective range of only 2,000 feet (600 metres). So a missile was necessary to bring down the Chinese spy balloon, and the AIM-9X was the right tool for the job.

Interestingly, the FRANK callsign may be a reference to World War I Medal of Honor recipient First Lieutenant Frank Luke Jr., who is known as the “Arizona Balloon Buster” for shooting down 14 German balloons, as well as four planes.

Fact #5 : China Breaks International Law With Spy Balloon Overflights

It is ludicrous for anyone to claim that China can keep sending “cheap” spy balloons to trigger the Americans, as every country has “complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above its territory” under international law.

Such acts are therefore violations of international law, and infringements of the sovereignty of the countries that these spy balloons overfly.

That’s why Chinese government keeps claiming that these spy balloons are civilian craft. That is also why the US government has the right to shoot down the spy balloon without asking China for permission.

Fact #6 : Every Fallen Balloon Is An Intelligence Bonanza

In the United States, Republicans are complaining that President Joe Biden was weak in allowing the Chinese spy balloon to fly off the coast of South Carolina before shooting it down on Saturday afternoon, February 4, 2023.

What they don’t tell the people is that President Joe Biden asked the US Air Force to shoot down the spy balloon as soon as it was safe to do so.

On top of that, the US military wanted to retrieve the spy balloon to examine its payload, and the best way to keep the payload intact would be to bring down the balloon over shallow water, instead of land.

In accordance with the President’s direction, the military brought down the balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters to protect civilians while maximizing our ability to recover the payload.

On Monday, February 6, 2023, the first parts of the Chinese spy balloon arrived at the FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia, for further analysis.

Depending on what they recover, it may be possible to determine what these spy balloons are capable of, what it recorded, and who manufactured its components. The Americans may possibly gain insights into hitherto unknown Chinese technologies.

Instead of mocking the Americans for shooting down a “cheap” spy balloon, perhaps the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛) and pro-CCP netizens should worry about what the Americans might find….

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Restricted F-16 + Missile Info Leaked In Game Forum!

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Restricted information on the F-16 fighter jet and its AIM-120 AMRAAM missile were just leaked in the War Thunder game forum!

Restricted F-16 Fighter + Missile Info Leaked In Game Forum!

Fans of War Thunder are always arguing about fighter jets and their weapons in that free-to-play combat vehicle simulator game, and those arguments can get pretty heated.

One F-16 fighter jet discussion that started in July 2022 became more heated after the F-16 Fighting Falcon was added in the Apex Predator’s update in December.

On Monday, 16 January 2023, a War Thunder gamer called spacenavy90 accidentally posted Restricted information on the F-16 and its AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile, during a discussion on how accurately the War Thunder developers modelled the F-16’s flight and cockpit weapons control system, known as the Stores Control Panel (SCP).

Interesting thing I found during my research. During early AMRAAM testing you can see how F-16A would equip the AIM-120 and use TWS on the non-MFD stores control panel “SCP”:

He backed up his post by attaching four documents. Three appear to be research reports on the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile, while the fourth was the F-16 Pilot’s Handbook for the AMRAAM missile.

(U) High-Performance Wingless Missile Research
(U) AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), Force Development Evaluation (FDE), Phase 3, Part B (3B)
(U) Weapons File, 2009
(U) Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile Manned Air Combat Simulation (AMRAAM MACS). F-16 Pilot’s Handbook

Leaked F-16 Fighter + Missile Info : Old But Still Restricted!

Now, the documents were old and no longer classified. In fact, they were all marked “Unclassified”. So the offence wasn’t as egregious as the earlier leak of the Chinese DT10-125 tank ammunition!

The High-Performance Wingless Missile Research document, for example, was published in May 1999, while the F-16 pilot’s handbook on the AMRAAM missile was published in May 1982!

The AIM-120 AMRAAM Force Development Evaluation paper was newer, being published in August 2000, while the Weapons File was the newest document – published in July 2009.

However, they are all still considered Restricted information, as the documents were labelled “Export Controlled” and “DoD Only“, as well as “distribution authorised to US government agencies only“.

As another War Thunder gamer pointed out, “The penalty for conviction of unauthorised disclosure includes up to 10 years in prison, a large fine, or both.”

A moderator quickly removed the documents, and replied to the post saying that they contained export-restricted information, and posting them was not permitted “per U.S. Laws on restricted and export restricted data“.

War Thunders developer, Gaijin Entertainment, later issued a statement :

A user posted some information on AMRAAM missiles for F-16. As far as we know, these documents are considered export restricted and are not meant to be shared or used by unauthorised people. We always delete posts containing classified or restricted information from our forum as soon as possible. We forbid our users to share documents like this on our platforms. We remind our users again and again that it’s both illegal and pointless, so they should never do that. We never use documents like this in our work.

So, we deleted the posts. The documents themselves were in fact posted via links to a third-party Discord server, so they were never actually uploaded to our own servers. In any case, we made sure that those links are not available to the visitors of our forum or our employees.

F-16 Fighter + Missile : Just Latest Leaked Info On War Thunder Forum!

This is hardly the first time military personnel and enthusiasts accidentally leaked sensitive or classified information during heated arguments.

Just 3 days ago, another War Thunder forum user posted screenshots of a USAF Air Combat Command paper manual published in 2015, and an F-15 operating manual published by McDonnell Douglas in 1993.

Both manuals had a printed warning that they “contain technical data whose export is restricted”, with violations “subject to severe criminal penalties”.

In June 2022, a photo of the tungsten penetrator of the latest DTC10-125 tank ammunition used in China’s main battle tanks was posted together with its classified technical data!

In 2021, parts of the United Kingdom’s Challenger 2 tank user manual was leaked by someone who claimed to be a Challenger 2 tank commander, who was trying to convince the game developers to make their in-game model closer to the real tank!

Say what you will – War Thunder gamers are really passionate about the game, and how accurately it reflects real-life military equipment!

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Did Four Taiwan F-16 Fighters Just Defect To China?!

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Did four ROCAF F-16 fighter jets from Taiwan just defect to China?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Four F-16 Fighter Jets From Taiwan Just Defected To China!

Many people are sharing a post on WhatsApp and social media, which claims that four F-16 fighter jets from Taiwan just defected to China.

It’s really long, so feel free to skip to the next section for the facts…

👍IMPORTANT NEWS🇸🇬 :- is reported that at 4:35 in the morning, four F16 fighter jets of a certain air force in Taiwan suddenly flew towards the center line of the strait during routine training and lost contact with the ground.

The Taiwan Air Force sent two fighter jets to intercept it, and the two sides exchanged fire in the air. The four F16 fighter jets that defected have now landed at a military base in Fujian.

There was an air battle over the Taiwan Strait. Four Taiwan F16 fighter jets jointly defected and engaged in an air battle with two interceptor fighters. The interceptors were shot down, and the life and death of the pilots were unknown.

The four F16 fighter jets and their crews that have landed safely at a military base in Fujian have been secretly protected by the military.

At present, both the mainland and Taiwan have remained silent on the incident. The United States called Taiwan’s leaders to express concern about the incident.

The four planes were stationed at Taoyuan Airport – the 16th Air Wing. The captain of the pilot is Major Han Rongming, and the plane number is TY160531.

According to eyewitnesses, one plane was slightly injured when it landed; the four planes landed successfully under the cover of eight SU-27 fighter jets from the mainland!

According to reliable information (from a well-informed source within the Air Force), the four F-16s that defected from the Taiwan Air Force the day before yesterday were transferred from Fuzhou Airport to Wuhu Air Force Base in Anhui under the “protection” of eight Su-27s.

The four F-16 pilots were warmly welcomed by the leadership led by the base commander. The four F-16s and their pilots have all been transferred to reliable locations.

According to rumors, the four pilots may go to Beijing next week to meet with senior Chinese military leaders. In response to this, the Chinese spokesperson said in response to questions from Chinese and foreign reporters that there has been no notification from relevant departments.

The Taiwan authorities have also remained tight-lipped about this. The U.S. Pentagon was extremely angry about this, because one of the RF-16s involved a lot of important electronic intelligence and important equipment, and Japan was also very surprised and said that it would upgrade the related equipment of the Self-Defense Force’s f-16 (transfer). 👍🇸🇬

重要新闻，凌晨4：35分，台某空军四架F16战机在例行训练中，突然朝海峡中线飞去并与地面失联。台空军即派两架战机拦截，双方在空中发生交火。叛逃的四架F16战机，现已降落在福建某军事基地。
台海上空发生空战，台四架F16战机联合叛逃并与两架拦截战机发生空战，拦截机被击落，飞行员生死不明。已安全降落在福建某军事基地的四架F16战机及机组人员均被军方秘密保护。目前，大陆、台湾都对此事件保持沉默，美国电致台湾领导人，表示对此事感到忧虑。这四架飞机是驻扎在桃源机场――第16航空联队的飞机。
带队长机驾驶员为韩容铭（音）少校，飞机编号――TY160531。
据目击者称有一架飞机降落时，机尾擦地受轻伤；四架飞机在大陆八架SU-27战机的掩护下成功降落！

根据可靠消息（来自一空军内部消息灵通人士），前日台湾空军叛逃的四架F-16在八架苏-27的“保护”下，已于昨天从福州机场转移到安徽芜湖空军基地。四位F-16飞行员受到基地司令为首的领导热烈欢迎。
这四架F-16和飞行员均已转移到可靠地方，据传，此四位飞行员可能于下周到北京进见中共军方高层领导。
对此，中国新闻发言人在答中外记者问时表示目前没有得到有关部门的通告。
台湾当局对此也三缄其口。美国五角大楼对此事极为愤怒，因为其中一架RF-16 涉及到许多重要电子情报和重要设备，日本也感到十分吃惊，表示要提升自卫队的f-16的相关设备🌹👍🇸🇬

Show less

Truth : No F-16 Fighter Jets From Taiwan Ever Defected To China!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created by the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛), and shared by pro-CCP netizens, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : This Fake Story First Circulated In 2003

This fake story isn’t new. It first went viral in June 2003, when a mainland Chinese military publication called The Extensive Military Report, published a report claiming that four Taiwanese F-16 fighter jets defected to China.

The article said that four Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) F-16 Block 20 fighter jets from the 401st Fighter Wing based at the Taoyuan Air Base defected to an airbase in the Fujian province, under a heavy escort of eight Chinese Su-27 fighter jets.

Allegedly, the four F-16 fighter jets “escaped” during a routine exercise flight at 4 PM on May 27, 2003. Two “loyal” F-16 fighter jets gave chase, and one was shot down by the defecting planes while the second managed to return to base.

Fact #2 : Both Taiwan + China Labelled The Story As False

When the story broke in June 2003, both the Taiwanese and Chinese governments labelled the story as false.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) called the article “a ridiculous rumour”, while the China’s foreign ministry denied the rumour at a press conference.

Taiwanese spokesperson Huang Suey-sheng pointed out that even the Chinese authorities rebutted the claims.

Fact #3 : ROCAF F-16 Tail Numbers Do Not Exist

The original fake story specifically mentioned that one of the defecting F-16 fighter jets had a tail number of 160531.

The modified fake story that is currently circulating on WhatsApp and social media in 2022 said that the aircraft had a tail number of TY160531.

They are both false. No ROCAF aircraft has either tail number.

ROCAF F-16 fighter jets have a four-digit tail number, without any TY prefix.

Fact #4 : ROCAF F-16 Fighters Are Not Based In Taoyuan

Both the original and the updated fake stories falsely claim that the defecting F-16 fighter jets were stationed at the Taoyuan Air Base.

Taiwan’s F-16 fighter jets are based at the Chiayi Air Base in Chiayi, and the Chiashan Air Force Base in Hualien.

Fact #5 : Taoyuan Air Base No Longer Exists!

Taoyuan Air Base no longer exists! In 2007, it was turned over to the Republic of China Navy, and renamed to Taoyuan Naval Base.

Fact #6 : Taiwan Only Has Five Fighter Wings

The original fake story claimed that the defecting F-16 fighters came from the 401st Fighter Wing, while the updated fake story claimed they came from the 16th Air Wing.

Neither the 401st Fighter Wing nor the 16th Air Wing exist in the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF).

There was a 401st Tactical Combined Wing operating out of Taoyuan Air Base, and it had a 16th Tactical Fighter Squadron. But it only operated F-104 fighter jets from the 1960s until the early 1990s.

Currently, Taiwan has five fighter wings, of which only the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing and the 5th Tactical Fighter Wing are equipped with F-16 fighter jets.

Fact #7 : This Is Just Chinese Propaganda

This is just another example of Chinese propaganda created by the infamous Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛).

All of the wumao articles and videos that I looked at so far have proven to be false… at every instance. So please watch out for such false claims.

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did US Air Force Pilots Resign Over Vaccine Mandate?

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Did US Air Force pilots and bomber crews resign and walk off their jobs over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate?

Take a look at the viral video and article, and find out what the FACTS really are!

Claim : US Air Force Pilots Resigned Over Vaccine Mandate!

A video by a bodybuilder called Justin Y. O’Donnell, and an article by Real Raw News have gone viral on social media, claiming that US Air Force pilots and bomber crews walked off their jobs over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

In his video, Justin claimed that “my dad just let me know” that the Secretary of Defense sent a text message at night to all active members of the military, threatening them with a court martial if they did not get a COVID-19 vaccination by 10 AM in the morning.

The Real Raw News article is very long, so just skip to the next section for the FACTS and the video!

Twenty-seven active-duty U.S. Air Force pilots have resigned their commissions over the unconstitutionality of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s mandate requiring all Armed Forces members to at once receive a Covid-19 vaccination, Real Raw News has learned.

The exodus began on August 27, with 12 pilots from the 1^st Fighter Wing at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, submitting to their commanding officer letters of resignation only hours after they received a 4:00 a.m. text message instructing them to submit to mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations by 10:00 a.m. that same day. It’s unknown whether the pilots collaborated ahead of resigning, but all 12 resignations were handed in within a 90-minute period.

One officer, a 29-year-old F-22 Raptor pilot, said of the situation, “We undergo routine physicals and must meet rigorous fitness standards to stay on flight duty. I think it’s safe to say all Air Force pilots are in good physical condition. We must be to endure extreme G-force stress on our body. There is no reason we should be at risk of Covid-19 or becoming sick from it. I know I’m not alone in rejecting this potentially dangerous and soundly untested shot.”

Pilots at other airbases apparently joined him in solidarity.

A day later, 15 pilots of the 2^nd Bomb Wing in Barksdale, Louisiana tendered letters of resignation after they, too, received orders to get the jab. The orders stated explicitly that any officer refusing a Covid-19 vaccination would lose his flight status and be subject to disciplinary action, including a potential dishonorable discharge from the service.

A pilot with the 2^nd Bomb Wing told RRN that he and his fellow pilots marched into their commanding officer’s office and dropped the resignation letters on his desk. He added that airmen and maintenance crews—enlisted persons who cannot simply resign from the service—are also furious about the mandatory vaccination requirement. Several of them, he told RRN, have sent hardship letters asking for early dismissal from the Air Force, mainly because they don’t have faith in a vaccine that has killed thousands of healthy people, military and civilians alike.

“This is only the beginning. A lot more of us will be turning in our wings,” he said.

RRN will provide additional details on this topic as it develops.

Click to read more...

Truth : US Air Force Pilots Did NOT Quit Over Vaccine Mandate!

The truth is the whole story is fake news created by Real Raw News – a known fake news website, and here are the FACTS…

Fact #1 : Viral Video Was Based On Fake News

In his viral video monologue, Justin Y. O’Donnell claimed that his father told him the Secretary of Defense sent out that text message.

The truth is – the story was created by the notorious fake news website called Real Raw News.

We just don’t know whether Justin’s father told him the fake story, or he made that part up to make it sound more believable.

Fact #2 : Real Raw News Is A Fake News Website

Real Raw News is a known fake news website, that capitalises on making shocking but fake stories to generate page views and money.

The entire article – including the F-22 Raptor pilot quote – is FAKE.

To protect himself from legal repercussions, the owner and writer, Michael Baxter, claims that his articles are “humour, parody, and satire“.

This disclaimer lets him keep creating fake news that will go viral, and generate him money.

His articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should NEVER share anything from his website.

Fact #3 : USAF Announced Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination

The US Air Force announced mandatory COVID-19 vaccination on 3 September 2021, which required all Airmen and Guardians to be FULLY-VACCINATED against COVID-19 by :

Active duty personnel : November 2, 2021
Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve personnel : December 2, 2021

There was no need for a force-wide text message because the notice was officially issued earlier.

Fact #4 : Secretary Of Defense Did Not Send Any Text Message

Defense Department spokesman, Charlie Dietz, confirmed that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin never sent a text message to all active members of the military.

It is also not logical for him to only give active military personnel all over the world only a few hours to get vaccinated.

Fact #5 : You Cannot Just Quit The US Air Force

Whether you are on Active Duty, or in the Reserves or Air National Guard service, you cannot just quit and walk away from the US Air Force.

Literally walking off the job is considered going AWOL (Absence Without Leave) – a court martial offence under Article 86 of the US Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Fact #6 : No F-22 Pilot Quit Over COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

A spokesperson for Joint Base Langley-Eustis confirmed to Reuters that :

“To date, no pilots from the 1st Fighter Wing have resigned their commission due to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate”.

Fact #7 : No B-52 Crew Member Quit Over COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

A spokesperson for Barksdale Air Force Base told Reuters that the viral story was “completely false“.

Now that you know the truth, SHARE this fact check with your family and friends, so they won’t get fooled by it!

And remember – NEVER SHARE ANYTHING from Real Raw News!

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did Chinese Bombers Fire On US Aircraft Carrier?!

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Did Chinese bombers fire on the US aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt in the South China Seas?

Take a look at the viral news, and find out what the FACTS really are!

Claim : Chinese Bombers Fire On US Aircraft Carrier In South China Sea

A YouTube video is going viral on WhatsApp, claiming that Chinese bombers fired on an US aircraft carrier in the South China Sea.

It is usually shared without commentary because the title speaks for itself, and the video itself repeats the same claim.

Truth : Chinese Bombers Did NOT Fire On US Aircraft Carrier

This is fake news by an unknown YouTube channel called M News, and here are the FACTS.

Fact #1 : Chinese Bombers Did Not Fire On US Aircraft Carrier

It bears repeating – this is FAKE NEWS. Chinese bombers did not fire on any US aircraft carrier.

If that really happened, it would have been a major news story all over the world. It would have certainly started a major war between the United States and China.

You didn’t hear anything about it, did you? What makes you think some unknown YouTube website called M News would have an exclusive scoop on this story?

Fact #2 : The USS Theodore Roosevelt Incident Happened In January 2021

Eight Chinese H-6K bombers, escorted by four J-16 fighters and a single Y-8 anti-submarine warfare aircraft practiced a mock attack on USS Theodore Roosevelt as it sailed between Taiwan and the Philippines on 23 January 2021.

The H-6K bomber pilots could be heard in cockpit conversations confirming orders for the simulated targeting and release of anti-ship missiles against the carrier.

However, the Chinese strike group remained more than 250 nautical miles (463 kilometres) away from the carrier group – beyond the 248 mile (459 km) range of their YJ-12 anti-ship missiles.

Fact #3 : M News Ripped It Off Popular Mechanics

M News used stock footage, and a text to voice software to recite a Popular Mechanics article by Kyle Mizokami on the USS Theodore Roosevelt incident, word for word.

The creator didn’t even bother to edit out the part about the “the map embedded in the tweet above” – the tweet was in the article, but not the video.

The only original thing the creator did was to insert the fake news chyron claiming that Today: Chinese Bombers fire on US Aircraft Carrier in South China Sea.

And of course, sharing it on WhatsApp so you would share it too.

Fact #4 : The Date Changes Daily

M News garnered more than 2 million views for this video, but only because they changed the date in the title on a daily basis!

This allows them to keep sharing the video on social media, and WhatsApp, to fool people into clicking and watching their video.

They first posted the video on 3 February 2021, but they keep changing the date in the title, to make it look “new” and “current”.

Now that you know that M News posts fake videos and fake news, please WARN your family and friends.

And please STOP sharing M News videos, and definitely DO NOT visit their YouTube channel!

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