China schemes against French Rafale jets to boost own arms sales

In May 2025, during the India-Pakistan clashes, French military and intelligence officials reported that China attempted to undermine the sales of the French Rafale fighter jets. The Chinese government reportedly utilized its embassies to spread misinformation claiming that Chinese-made Pakistani warplanes had outperformed Rafale jets. This strategy aimed to harm the reputation of the Rafale aircraft and deter potential buyers from choosing French-made jets. French officials found evidence of this campaign targeting various nations that had already ordered or were considering purchasing the Rafale. The findings indicated a coordinated effort involving defense attaches from Chinese embassies who actively lobbied foreign defense officials. Their approach included promoting false narratives of Indian Air Force's Rafale jets performing poorly in combat situations. This strategy specifically aimed at nations such as Indonesia, which has already placed orders for the Rafale. Besides direct lobbying, China seemed to propagate this narrative through widespread disinformation campaigns on social media platforms. French intelligence noted that an organized misinformation campaign sought to shake the confidence of current Rafale customers and possible new buyers by presenting a false image of Chinese technological superiority. As tensions rose during the conflict, French military officials worked to safeguard their reputation and the image of the aircraft, dismissing the claims that emerged from Pakistan regarding the performance of Rafale jets. The French Air Force chief, General Jérôme Bellanger, pointed out that only three Indian aircraft were reportedly lost, which included one Rafale among other jets. The French government’s efforts were directed not just at defending a piece of military equipment, but at protecting France’s strategic autonomy and industrial credibility in the defense market. The Rafale jet is considered a strategic asset for France, representing the nation's military capabilities and international partnerships. Amid the ongoing disinformation campaign, France’s Defense Ministry characterized the situation as a vast effort to discredit the Rafale, aimed at promoting alternative foreign weaponry, particularly from China. The campaign included the dissemination of manipulated images and social media content crafted to fabricate narratives supporting Chinese arms. Analysts noted that the extent of this disinformation reflects a broader strategy by China to limit Western influence in pivotal regions like the Indo-Pacific. With over 500 Rafales sold to eight countries including India, Indonesia, and Egypt, the fight to protect the aircraft's reputation is critical for the ongoing competitiveness of French defense exports.