French Officials Accuse China of Undermining Rafale Fighter Jet Sales
French military and intelligence officials have accused China of orchestrating a campaign to undermine the reputation and sales of Dassault Aviation’s Rafale fighter jet. This campaign allegedly intensified following the aerial clashes between India and Pakistan in May 2025, during which Pakistan claimed to have shot down multiple Rafales. France contends that these claims are exaggerated and part of a larger disinformation effort spearheaded by China. The French government alleges that Chinese embassies worldwide have actively lobbied against the Rafale, urging potential buyers, including Indonesia, to opt for Chinese-manufactured aircraft instead.
The heart of the dispute lies in the conflicting accounts of the India-Pakistan aerial engagements. While Pakistan asserts it downed three Rafales, India has only acknowledged unspecified aircraft losses. French officials, citing their own evidence, maintain that only one Rafale was lost during the conflict, alongside a Russian-made Sukhoi and a Mirage 2000. This marked the first confirmed combat loss of a Rafale, a fact that French officials believe has been exploited by China to damage the aircraft’s standing in the international arms market.
France alleges that the disinformation campaign involves a multifaceted approach, encompassing social media manipulation, the dissemination of fabricated images purporting to show Rafale wreckage, AI-generated content, and even video game simulations depicting the aircraft’s purported vulnerability. French researchers specializing in online disinformation have identified a surge in social media activity, with over 1,000 newly created accounts promoting a narrative of Chinese technological superiority during and after the India-Pakistan clashes.
While French officials haven’t directly linked the online campaign to the Chinese government, they point to the activities of Chinese embassy defense attachés as further evidence of a coordinated effort to discredit the Rafale. These attachés allegedly propagated the negative narrative about the Rafale’s performance during meetings with defense officials from various countries, simultaneously promoting Chinese-made weaponry as a superior alternative. This lobbying reportedly focused on nations that have already ordered Rafales, like Indonesia, as well as other potential buyers.
The French Ministry for Armed Forces has publicly acknowledged the existence of a “vast campaign of disinformation” targeting the Rafale, designed to bolster the appeal of competing aircraft, particularly those manufactured in China. They emphasize that the Rafale was specifically targeted due to its capabilities and prominence in the international market, reflecting a strategic move to diminish its appeal and promote Chinese alternatives.
China has denied these accusations, dismissing them as “groundless rumors and slander.” The Chinese Ministry of National Defence maintains that their military exports adhere to a principle of prudence and responsibility, contributing positively to regional and global stability. However, French officials remain convinced of China’s involvement, viewing the alleged disinformation campaign as a direct challenge to the Rafale’s market share and France’s influence in the global arms trade. The Rafale represents a significant export for Dassault Aviation, with 323 of the 533 aircraft sold going to international customers, including Egypt, India, Qatar, Greece, Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia, and Indonesia. Indonesia, having already ordered 42 Rafales, is considering further purchases, a decision now potentially influenced by the ongoing controversy. The French government is actively working to counter the alleged disinformation campaign and protect the reputation of its flagship fighter jet, recognizing the significant economic and geopolitical implications at stake. The ongoing dispute highlights the increasing competition between France and China in the international arms market and the use of information warfare as a tool to gain a competitive edge.
