US EditionFrench 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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57 Articles
Top French Jets Targeted in Chinese Disinformation Campaign
A covert disinformation campaign orchestrated by Chinese embassies sought to undermine France’s top-tier Rafale fighter jet in the wake of India-Pakistan clashes, according to French military and intelligence sources. The operation aimed to sabotage French arms deals while promoting Beijing’s own military hardware across the Indo-Pacific. French intelligence reports say Chinese defense attachés stationed in foreign embassies actively spread fals…
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
China is conducting a disinformation campaign to cast doubt on the performance of French fighter aircraft. (International).
French intel claims China launched disinformation campaign against Rafale jets
French intelligence and military officials say China orchestrated a covert campaign to damage the reputation of the Rafale fighter jet – France’s flagship military export – following its combat deployment in India-Pakistan clashes in May.
China used its missions to foil Rafale jets' sales after Op Sindoor: Report
To hammer the Rafale fighter jets' reputation, China's foreign missions sought to persuade countries that ordered the French-made fighter not to buy them and encourage others to go for Chinese-made planes.
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