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French intelligence: China used embassies to undermine sales of France’s flagship Rafale fighter jet

FRANCE, JUL 6 – Chinese embassies and defense attaches spread disinformation to undermine Rafale jet sales after May air clashes, targeting countries including Indonesia, French intelligence revealed.

  • French military and intelligence officials reported that China leveraged its diplomatic missions to cast suspicion on the capabilities of Rafale fighter jets following the May clashes between India and Pakistan.
  • This campaign arose from Pakistan's claim to have downed several Indian aircraft, including three Rafales, which French authorities say was fabricated disinformation.
  • Chinese defense attachés lobbied countries that had ordered or considered buying Rafales, promoting Chinese-made alternatives to undermine France's defense influence in Asia.
  • Worldwide, a total of 533 Rafale jets have been purchased, with 42 acquired by Indonesia, which is now reportedly contemplating additional acquisitions despite ongoing disinformation efforts.
  • France's Defense Ministry defended the Rafale's standing, underscoring its strategic importance and pointing out that the disinformation campaign is part of a wider struggle for influence and control over defense markets in the Asia-Pacific region.
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According to French intelligence, defenders of several Chinese embassies would have been charged with questioning the performance of the Rafale fighters in order to hinder their sale in key markets

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China is conducting a disinformation campaign to cast doubt on the performance of French fighter aircraft. (International).

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Breitbart broke the news in United States on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
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