Summary of the Article
China is reportedly deploying diplomatic efforts to cast doubt on the performance of French-made Rafale jets following the recent India-Pakistan conflict, which involved aerial combat between the two nations. French military and intelligence officials suggest that the Chinese embassy is attempting to undermine the reputation and sales of Rafale fighters, particularly to countries that have already ordered them, such as Indonesia, by promoting Chinese-made alternatives.
Following the intense four-day clash in May, where Pakistan claimed to have shot down Indian aircraft—including Rafales—French officials noted an uptick in inquiries about the jets’ performance from purchasing countries. In response, the French military is combating what they describe as a disinformation campaign that involves manipulated social media content and narratives that favor Chinese technology.
This campaign is believed to have been orchestrated to question the reliability of French defense capabilities as China seeks to strengthen its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. French officials emphasized that this disinformation effort could potentially discourage countries from sourcing military hardware from France.
Despite efforts to protect the Rafale’s reputation, the accusations regarding its performance have raised concerns among nations that bought the jets. The French Ministry of Defense stresses that Rafale is strategically significant and is being targeted due to its capabilities and its role in enhancing France’s defense ties with Asia. The ongoing campaign aims to weaken France’s position in the international defense market, where Dassault has sold 533 Rafales globally.
