Paris: French intelligence officials have concluded that China orchestrated a covert diplomatic campaign to cast doubt on the combat performance of France’s Rafale fighter jets, following their deployment during the India-Pakistan clashes in May. The aim, officials believe, was to weaken France’s defence sales globally, especially in Asia.
According to intelligence findings reviewed by The Associated Press, Chinese defence attachés based in embassies across the world reached out to countries that have purchased or were considering purchasing the Rafale jets. These included strategic meetings where Chinese officials allegedly encouraged clients like Indonesia to reconsider future Rafale acquisitions in favour of Chinese-made alternatives.
These findings were shared by a French military official who requested anonymity for themselves and the agency involved.
The backdrop to this effort was the intense four-day aerial confrontation in May between India and Pakistan — their most serious conflict in years — where India deployed Rafale jets during airstrikes on Pakistani targets. Pakistan later claimed it had shot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafales. Though India did not officially confirm losses, French Air Force Chief Gen. Jerome Bellanger acknowledged three Indian losses: one Rafale, one Russian-made Sukhoi, and one Mirage 2000 — the first known Rafale loss in combat.
These claims triggered global concerns among Rafale customers. France’s Ministry of Defence noted that the aircraft became a target in a “vast campaign of disinformation” aimed at undermining its reputation and France’s broader defence and industrial credibility. The campaign allegedly used manipulated visuals, AI-generated content, and video-game simulations to depict fake crash sites and Rafale wreckage. Over 1,000 newly created social media accounts spread narratives of Chinese superiority during the crisis, according to French researchers.
While the French military has not directly linked the online disinformation efforts to the Chinese government, the intelligence report states that Chinese defence officials actively lobbied foreign counterparts with negative narratives about the Rafale’s performance.
The Ministry of National Defence in Beijing dismissed the accusations as “groundless rumors and slander,” maintaining that China upholds a responsible approach to military exports.
France, which views the Rafale as a cornerstone of its strategic influence, has exported 323 of the 533 jets manufactured by Dassault Aviation to eight countries, including India, Egypt, Indonesia, and the UAE. Indonesia, which has already ordered 42 jets, is reportedly reconsidering future purchases.
Experts believe China’s alleged campaign was a calculated attempt to limit Western defence influence in the Indo-Pacific region. “They saw an opportunity to damage French sales prospects in the region,” said Justin Bronk, an airpower expert from the Royal United Services Institute.
The French Defence Ministry affirmed that the Rafale was not chosen at random for such targeting. “The campaign sought to weaken not just an aircraft but France’s image of industrial reliability and strategic autonomy,” it said.
