WEBDESK: French military and intelligence agencies have reportedly accused China of launching a campaign to damage the reputation of French-made Rafale fighter jets following the May 2025 military tensions between Pakistan and India.
The move, they claim, is aimed at reducing the global demand for the jets after some were allegedly shot down during the conflict. China, however, has strongly rejected the accusations, calling them baseless.
According to sources cited in the intelligence report, French defence officials believe China has deployed new staff to its embassies with the task of casting doubt on the Rafale’s performance.
The report suggests these diplomats, led by defence attachés, are attempting to sway countries, particularly Indonesia and others that have signed Rafale purchase agreements, to reconsider buying French aircraft and instead consider Chinese alternatives.
Military officials in France, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared the details of the report with international media.
They noted that Rafale fighter jets and other defence equipment are a key part of France’s defence industry and foreign policy, with many Asian countries among their top buyers.
The controversy follows reports that several Indian Air Force jets, including Rafales, were damaged or destroyed during an aerial clash with Pakistan in May.
Pakistani officials claimed they downed five Indian aircraft, three of which were Rafales, though India confirmed losses without specifying the number.
French Air Force Chief General Jérôme Bellanger was quoted in the report, stating that India had suffered three different types of aircraft losses: one Rafale, one Russian-made Sukhoi, and one Mirage 2000.
He also confirmed that multiple countries which have bought Rafale jets raised questions about the incident.
French officials argue they are now actively working to protect the jet’s global image and market value.
They accuse China and Pakistan of spreading disinformation online, including exaggerated images of wreckage, AI-generated content, and footage resembling video game graphics to tarnish the aircraft’s reputation.
According to French researchers, over 1,000 new social media accounts were created during the India-Pakistan skirmishes, many of which were pushing a narrative highlighting the superiority of Chinese military technology.
French defence officials claim to have direct evidence linking the online smear campaign to the Chinese government.
They say Chinese defence attachés have been repeating the same talking points in meetings with foreign military and security officials, alleging poor performance by India’s Rafale jets.
China, however, has rejected all accusations. In a statement issued by its Ministry of National Defence in Beijing, the Chinese government described the allegations as “completely groundless rumours.”
It said China maintains a responsible approach to defence exports and contributes positively to regional and global peace.
So far, Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the Rafale, has sold 533 aircraft to countries including Egypt, India, Qatar, Greece, Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia, and Indonesia.
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