China’s Attempts to Sabotage Global Rafale Jet Sales, According to French Intelligence

French military and intelligence officials are raising concerns that China has been actively trying to undermine the reputation of the Rafale fighter jet. This comes after significant clashes between India and Pakistan in May 2025, marking the most intense conflict in years for the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Reports indicate that Chinese embassies have been working to persuade countries, especially Indonesia, that already canceled orders for Rafales in favor of Chinese-made jets. This effort seems linked to the aerial fights in May, during which Indian and Pakistani aircraft engaged in combat, leading to losses on both sides.

### The Context

In May, both nations engaged in a four-day aerial clash. Pakistan claimed to have downed five Indian planes, including Rafales. The performance of these jets during the conflict brought scrutiny from nations that had invested in them.

India acknowledged some aircraft losses but did not specify the number. However, French Air Force Chief General Jérôme Bellanger stated there was evidence of just three losses: a Rafale, a Russian Sukhoi, and an earlier model, the Mirage 2000. This incident marked the first combat loss for the Rafale fighter, which is operated by eight countries.

### Social Media Influence

Amid this backdrop, French officials allege a disinformation campaign has spread across social media. The campaign involved manipulated imagery, AI-generated content, and posts claiming Chinese technological superiority. French researchers found that over 1,000 new social media accounts emerged during the India-Pakistan clashes, promoting negative narratives about the Rafales and emphasizing Chinese alternatives.

### Official Responses

The French intelligence services have not yet identified direct connections between these online campaigns and the Chinese government. However, they noted that Chinese defense attaches were spreading similar narratives in discussions with defense officials from various nations, suggesting that Indian Rafales performed poorly and promoting Chinese military technology instead.

The French Ministry for Armed Forces described this situation as a “vast campaign of disinformation” aimed specifically at damaging the Rafale’s reputation. They emphasized that the Rafale’s capabilities and its high profile as an exported fighter jet made it a target.

In response to the allegations, the Chinese Ministry of National Defence dismissed them as unfounded rumors, reiterating that China takes a cautious and responsible approach to military exports.

### The Bigger Picture

The Rafale deal is a significant part of France’s defense industry and diplomatic relations, especially in Asia, where China is establishing itself as a dominant military power. As of now, Dassault Aviation has sold 533 Rafales worldwide, with countries like Egypt, India, and the UAE being major buyers. Indonesia has ordered 42 Rafales and is contemplating future purchases.

This situation illustrates the complex interplay between military performance, international relations, and information warfare. As nations increasingly turn to technology and social media to influence perceptions, the outcomes will likely shape military procurement choices for years to come.



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