Footage of Rafale jets being shot down during India-Pakistan conflict is fake, part of Chinese propaganda – French intelligence
Paris | July 6, 2025
A classified report by French intelligence has made a sensational claim: the recent viral videos and reports alleging the destruction of Rafale fighter jets during the four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan are baseless and part of a Chinese disinformation campaign.
According to the report, the objective behind this propaganda was to cast doubt on the performance of the Rafale jets and damage France’s defense export market.
Fake Footage, Simulation Clips Used
French officials stated that the anti-Rafale campaign included artificially generated footage—some of which was taken from video games and flight simulations.
The operation involved over a thousand fake online accounts and state-backed social media influencers who attempted to portray Chinese military technology as superior to France’s.
China has denied these allegations. In a statement issued by the Chinese Ministry of Defense in Beijing, it said:
“These accusations are baseless and defamatory. China has always acted responsibly in arms exports and is committed to global peace and stability.”
Background: The May India-Pakistan Conflict
In May this year, India and Pakistan engaged in a four-day intense military confrontation, involving dozens of fighter jets from both sides. Pakistan claimed it had shot down five Indian warplanes, including three Rafales—sparking global debate over the jet’s capabilities.
However, French Air Force Chief General Jérôme Bélanger stated that India actually lost only three aircraft: one Rafale, one Russian Sukhoi, and one older Mirage 2000.
He said:
“Naturally, customers who have bought Rafales have questions. But based on our data and analysis, Rafale remains a world-class aircraft.”
Alleged Direct Interference by Chinese Embassies
The French intelligence report also accused Chinese embassy officials of directly pressuring defense and security officials in various countries to cancel Rafale orders, particularly targeting nations like Indonesia.
France reportedly received this information from the concerned countries themselves, who described China’s diplomatic pressure as “unusual and deliberate.”
Rafale: Not Just a Fighter Jet, But a Strategic Identity
France’s Ministry of Defense emphasized that Rafale is more than just a fighter aircraft—it represents French technology, strategy, and reliability.
According to a statement:
“An attack on Rafale is an attack on France’s defense industry and diplomatic influence.”
The aircraft’s manufacturer, Dassault Aviation, has so far sold 533 Rafales, of which 323 have been exported to countries including Egypt, India, Qatar, Greece, Croatia, the UAE, Serbia, and Indonesia.
Defense analyst Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London commented:
“China’s core objective is to reduce Western influence in the Indo-Pacific. By exploiting Rafale’s performance in the Pakistani theater, China is trying to erode global confidence in the aircraft.”
