French Intelligence Accuses China of Coordinated Disinformation Campaign Targeting Rafale Jet Sales

 Paris, July 7: French intelligence agencies have accused China of orchestrating a coordinated diplomatic and digital campaign to undermine the global reputation and export prospects of the French-built Rafale fighter jet, following its combat deployment during India’s May border clashes with Pakistan.

According to findings reviewed by the Associated Press, officials from a French intelligence service allege that defence attachés stationed at Chinese embassies across multiple countries actively sought to discredit the Rafale’s performance in battle. Their objective, the report claims, was to dissuade current customers, such as Indonesia, from expanding their purchases and to steer potential buyers toward Chinese-made alternatives.

The Rafale, developed by Dassault Aviation, remains a cornerstone of France’s defence export strategy and military partnerships. It is currently in service with eight nations and plays a strategic role in regions like Asia, where France is working to counterbalance China’s growing military and economic clout.

The recent controversy traces back to a significant military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May—one of the most intense in years between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. India deployed its Rafale fleet during the skirmishes, while Pakistan later claimed to have shot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafales—claims that New Delhi has not confirmed.

French Air Force Chief Gen. Jérôme Bellanger later confirmed that three Indian aircraft were lost in the conflict: one Rafale, one Sukhoi Su-30, and one Mirage 2000. The loss marked the Rafale’s first known combat casualty.

In the aftermath, concerns reportedly emerged among countries that operate or are considering the Rafale. French defence officials believe a concerted disinformation campaign, linked to actors in both China and Pakistan, gained rapid momentum across digital platforms. The campaign allegedly featured manipulated content, including AI-generated visuals, doctored videos, and even video game footage falsely presented as real combat evidence. Tens of thousands of newly created social media accounts are said to have amplified messaging that portrayed Chinese defence technology as superior.

While French authorities have not formally attributed the digital activities to the Chinese state, intelligence reports claim that Chinese embassy officials in several countries echoed similar talking points in meetings with local defence officials—mirroring the online narrative.

China has firmly denied the allegations. In a statement, the Chinese Defence Ministry described the reports as “groundless rumours and slander,” maintaining that Beijing adheres to a responsible policy on arms exports.

In response, France’s Defence Ministry condemned what it described as a “vast campaign of disinformation,” stating that the effort was aimed not only at the Rafale but at undermining the credibility of France’s broader defence industry and global partnerships.

To date, Dassault Aviation has secured orders for 533 Rafales, with 323 of those exported to countries including India, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, and Indonesia. Notably, Indonesia—which has placed an order for 42 jets—is reportedly considering additional purchases.

Defence analysts suggest that the suspected campaign may be part of a broader strategic effort by Beijing to dilute Western influence in the Indo-Pacific and strengthen its own defence industrial footprint.

“They certainly saw an opportunity to damage French sales prospects in the region,” said Justin Bronk, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London.