In a recent revelation by French intelligence, China has reportedly launched a coordinated effort to undermine the reputation of the French Rafale fighter jet following the conflict between India and Pakistan in May. This campaign, spearheaded by Chinese defense attaches, aims to diminish the aircraft’s marketability while promoting Chinese alternatives in the global defense sector.
Sources indicate that Chinese officials proactively sought to persuade both current and prospective customers, particularly in Indonesia, of the Rafale’s alleged subpar performance in the four-day military engagement between India and Pakistan. The Chinese campaign included direct outreach to these nations, where officials attempted to dissuade them from purchasing additional Rafale jets and to redirect interest toward Chinese military aircraft.
This intelligence gathering was reportedly facilitated through feedback from countries that had been approached by the Chinese representatives. French officials discovered that during these discussions, the Chinese were disseminating unverified claims about the Rafale’s effectiveness, relying heavily on provocative online narratives critiquing the aircraft’s performance.
The online discourse—fabricated images and AI-generated content purportedly depicting Rafale wreckage—has been traced back to cyber activities originating in Pakistan and China. Reports indicate that approximately 1,000 social media accounts were created to amplify these claims and propagate a negative image of the Rafale fighter jet. French researchers focusing on online disinformation confirmed these organized efforts but noted that a direct governmental link to the campaign remains unproven.
The backdrop to this disinformation effort is Pakistan’s assertion that it managed to down six Indian Air Force jets, including three Rafales, during the opening night of aerial conflict. India, however, has disputed this account, acknowledging losses but suggesting the figures are lower than claimed by Pakistan.
According to a statement from the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, the Rafale was targeted not merely because of its capabilities but also due to its significance as a prominent strategic offering for France in the defense market. The ministry emphasized that this campaign represents an attempt to impair France’s credibility and the integrity of its defense industrial and technological foundations.
Consequently, this disinformation initiative extends beyond the Rafale jet itself, posing a broader challenge to France’s image of strategic autonomy, industrial reliability, and the strength of its international partnerships.
