Fake Social Media Campaign Targets Rafale: China in the Spotlight
Paris/New Delhi: French military and intelligence officials have accused China of orchestrating a covert disinformation campaign aimed at tarnishing the global image and export potential of the French-made Rafale fighter jets, following their combat use during the India-Pakistan clashes in May.
According to a French intelligence report cited by the Associated Press, Chinese embassies — through their defence attachés — allegedly lobbied nations such as Indonesia to reconsider Rafale purchases and instead opt for Chinese-made fighter jets. The effort included diplomatic pressure, social media manipulation, and the spread of misleading content designed to cast doubt on the Rafale’s battlefield performance.
The four-day aerial confrontation between India and Pakistan in May, involving Rafale jets and Chinese-supplied Pakistani aircraft, became a key focus for defence analysts. Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafales — a claim India did not confirm in detail. However, French Air Force Chief Gen. Jérôme Bellanger acknowledged the loss of one Rafale, one Sukhoi, and one Mirage 2000.
French authorities say the disinformation campaign used AI-generated visuals, altered images, and even video game clips to suggest Rafale failures, amplified through over 1,000 fake social media accounts promoting Chinese military tech as superior.
Though Beijing denied the allegations — calling them “groundless rumours and slander” — French officials remain firm that the Rafale was deliberately targeted as part of a larger strategic move to undermine France’s influence and defence industry in Asia, particularly in the Indo-Pacific where China is vying for dominance.
“The Rafale is not just a jet; it represents France’s technological and strategic presence. Undermining it strikes at the heart of our defence diplomacy,” stated France’s Defence Ministry.
Indonesia, which signed a deal for 42 Rafales, is now reportedly reviewing its decision amid the swirling controversy and lobbying.
Experts believe China sees the Rafale’s success as a threat to its own defence exports. “This is classic influence warfare,” said Justin Bronk, a leading airpower analyst in London. “Beijing appears to be leveraging the Pakistan clashes to weaken France’s position in the Indo-Pacific arms market.”
So far, 533 Rafales have been sold, with 323 exported to countries like Egypt, India, Greece, the UAE, Qatar, and Indonesia. With regional competition heating up, the Rafale’s reputation — and France’s strategic influence — now faces turbulence beyond the skies.
