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French military and intelligence have reportedly uncovered an alleged effort by China to damage the global reputation and sales of its Rafale fighter jets through a targeted disinformation campaign. The campaign was allegedly carried out via Chinese embassies and military diplomats, who sought to discourage other nations from purchasing Rafale aircraft and instead buy China-made jets, The Associated Press reported, citing findings from a French intelligence service.

Defence attaches from Chinese embassies around the world actively lobbied foreign governments, urging them to reconsider ongoing or potential Rafale deals. These efforts come at a time when Rafale exports have become a major source of revenue for France’s defence sector and a strategic tool in strengthening diplomatic relationships, particularly with India and other Asian nations, where China is aggressively expanding its influence.

Concerns over Rafale’s combat effectiveness reportedly gained traction after Pakistan asserted that it had shot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafales, during hostilities in May.  

While India has not verified these claims, Indian Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, when asked, noted during a press briefing on Operation Sindoor that losses are inherent in any combat scenario but refrained from confirming or denying Pakistan’s assertions.

Indian Navy officer Captain Shiv Kumar last month acknowledged that some fighter jets were lost on the first day of combat operations due to certain initial limitations but dismissed the claim that five aircraft were taken down.

Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale jets, firmly rejected Pakistan's narrative. In a recent interview with the French magazine Challenges, Trappier labeled the reports as "inacurrate" and unsubstantiated.

France Says 'Rafale Not Targeted Randomly'

French authorities said that they are actively countering what they describe as concerted campaign of Rafale-bashing and disinformation online from Pakistan and its ally China, AP reported.

The campaign allegedly relied on AI-generated media, doctored images of aircraft wreckage showing supposed Rafale debris, and more than 1000 newly created social media profiles spreading narrative that Chinese fighter jets are superior to Rafales.

French military officials said they have not been able to link the online bashing directly to the Chinese government. However,  they have suggested a strong alignment between the narratives promoted online and those presented in diplomatic discussions by Chinese defence attachés. The alleged lobbying reportedly focused on countries already operating Rafales as well as potential buyers. According to French intelligence assessments, these actions were not coincidental but part of a strategic effort to cast doubt on a key pillar of France’s defence exports, AP reported.

The French defence ministry said on its website that Rafale was being targeted by "a vast campaign of disinformation" that "sought to promote the superiority of alternative equipment, notably of Chinese design."

"The Rafale was not randomly targeted. It is a highly capable fighter jet, exported abroad and deployed in a high-visibility theater," it said.

“The Rafale was also targeted because it represents a strategic French offering. By attacking the aircraft, certain actors sought to undermine the credibility of France and its defence industrial and technological base. The disinformation campaign therefore did not merely target an aircraft, but more broadly a national image of strategic autonomy, industrial reliability, and solid partnerships," the statement added.

China Denies Allegations

Responding to the accusations, China’s Ministry of National Defense dismissed the claims as “baseless rumors and slander.”  

In a statement to AP, Chinese officials reiterated their country’s “responsible approach,” saying,"China has consistently maintained a prudent and responsible approach to military exports, playing a constructive role in regional and global peace and stability."

Rafale maker Dassault Aviation has delivered or secured orders for 533 aircraft, with 323 of those sold to international clients including India, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, Greece, Croatia, Serbia, and Indonesia. Indonesia alone has committed to 42 jets and may increase its order in the near future.