Beijing has launched a disinformation campaign targeting French-made Rafale jets, according to intelligence reports. The campaign, led by Chinese embassies in the region, aims to undermine sales of the fighter planes and promote Chinese-made military hardware.
French officials have confirmed that China deployed its diplomatic missions to spread doubts about the performance of Rafales during India-Pakistan clashes in May. The claims alleged that Pakistan’s Chinese-made warplanes downed multiple French jets, including three Rafales.
However, French air force chief Gen. Jérôme Bellanger disputed these claims, stating that only one Indian Rafale was lost. France has sold 533 Rafales to several countries and is keen to protect its reputation as a reliable defense supplier.
The disinformation campaign reportedly included social media posts, manipulated images, AI-generated content, and video-game simulations of combat. French researchers have also identified over 1,000 new social media accounts spreading false narratives about Chinese technological superiority during the India-Pakistan clashes.
China has denied any involvement in the disinformation campaign, with Beijing’s Ministry of National Defense calling the claims “pure groundless rumours”. The move is seen as an attempt to weaken France’s security relationships with Asian nations by sowing doubts about its military equipment.
Source: https://www.france24.com/en/france/20250706-china-used-embassies-to-undermine-rafale-sales-after-india-pakistan-clash-french-intel-says