French intelligence and military officials say China orchestrated a covert campaign to damage the reputation of the Rafale fighter jet – France’s flagship military export – following its combat deployment in India-Pakistan clashes in May.
Chinese defence attachés stationed in embassies across Asia and elsewhere actively lobbied against the French-built aircraft, questioning its performance in private meetings with military officials from nations that have purchased or are considering purchasing the jet, notably Indonesia.
According to an intelligence report seen by the Associated Press, the attachés are alleged to have promoted Chinese-made alternatives while casting doubt on the Rafale’s combat record.
The report, shared by a French military official on condition of anonymity, suggests the campaign was launched after the first confirmed combat loss of a Rafale during India’s Operation Sindoor in May.
While Pakistan claimed to have downed three Rafales, France has acknowledged the loss of just one, alongside a Russian-made Sukhoi and a Mirage 2000. India has not officially confirmed numbers.
French military and intelligence officials say the lobbying was accompanied by a broader online disinformation effort, involving more than 1,000 newly created social media accounts spreading manipulated images, AI-generated content, and video-game footage misrepresented as combat visuals. The narrative sought to depict Chinese missile systems as decisively superior.
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Undermining Rafale sales
Although no direct link has been established between Beijing and the social media campaign, French officials argue that the embassy-led lobbying and online activity form a coordinated effort to undermine Rafale sales – particularly in strategic Indo-Pacific markets such as Indonesia, which has ordered 42 Rafales and may procure more.
“The Rafale was not randomly targeted,” France’s Defence Ministry said. “It represents a strategic French offering. This campaign sought to undermine not just a combat aircraft, but France’s credibility as a defence partner.”
Beijing has denied the allegations. “The relevant claims are pure groundless rumours and slander. China has consistently maintained a prudent and responsible approach to military exports, playing a constructive role in regional and global peace and stability,” the Ministry of National Defence in Beijing told AP.
However, analysts warn that such efforts align with China’s growing use of disinformation and influence operations to challenge Western arms sales and strategic ties in Asia.
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Dassault Aviation has sold 533 Rafales, including 323 for export to Egypt, India, Qatar, Greece, Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia and Indonesia.
Exports form a central pillar of France’s defence diplomacy. Officials in Paris are now working to reassure partner nations amid what they describe as an “unprecedented” assault on their reputation.
(with AP)
