French intelligence agencies have accused China of orchestrating a coordinated disinformation campaign through its embassies to undermine the reputation and international sales of the Rafale fighter jet following its deployment during the India-Pakistan tensions earlier this year. The alleged campaign aimed to persuade countries to reconsider Rafale deals and instead opt for Chinese-made aircraft.
According to French defense officials and intelligence reports, Chinese embassies and defense attachés played a key role in this operation. They allegedly focused their efforts on nations that had already ordered the Rafale, such as Indonesia, and other potential customers. The goal was to discourage further acquisitions of Rafales and promote the alleged superiority of Chinese defense products.
The disinformation campaign reportedly involved various tactics, including doctored images, viral social media posts, AI-generated content, and video-game simulations depicting the destruction of Rafale jets. These materials were disseminated through over 1,000 newly established social media accounts during the India-Pakistan conflict. Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian jets, including three Rafales, during the clashes, while French military officials acknowledged the loss of one Rafale, one Mirage 2000, and one Sukhoi fighter.
French intelligence suggests that Chinese defense attachés actively spread narratives about the Rafale's inadequate performance during private discussions with military and defense officials from countries operating or considering operating Rafale jets. These efforts purportedly aimed to boost confidence in Chinese fighter jets while diminishing France's influence, particularly in the Asian region.
The French Defence Ministry confirmed that the Rafale was the target of a "vast campaign of disinformation" designed to promote the alleged superiority of Chinese defense products. According to French researchers specializing in online disinformation, over 1,000 newly created social media accounts were involved in spreading a narrative of Chinese technological superiority.
China's Ministry of National Defense has dismissed the allegations as "groundless rumors and slander," asserting that it follows a responsible policy regarding military exports. However, French officials believe the campaign was orchestrated in a highly coordinated manner.
Experts suggest that China may be capitalizing on the Rafale's high-profile deployment to destabilize France's defense relationships in the Indo-Pacific region. France views the Rafale as a crucial element of its strategic autonomy and global defense alliances. With over 530 jets sold, including 323 exported to nations such as India, Egypt, the UAE, and Indonesia, maintaining the aircraft's reputation is vital for France's standing in global defense.
The French Ministry for Armed Forces stated that the Rafale was targeted by "a vast campaign of disinformation" that "sought to promote the superiority of alternative equipment, notably of Chinese design". The ministry added, "The Rafale was not randomly targeted. It is a highly capable fighter jet, exported abroad and deployed in a high-visibility theatre".
