US Report Details China’s Disinformation Campaign Targeting the Rafale Fighter

November 20, 2025 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764102255239-754

China Exploits May 2025 India-Pakistan Clash to Undermine French Fighter

A US congressional report confirms allegations of China’s disinformation campaign targeting the Rafale fighter following the May 2025 India-Pakistan clash. According to the report, Chinese embassy officials and online networks amplified claims that Pakistan had downed multiple Indian Rafale jets using Chinese-built weapons. The assessment aligns with reporting by intelligence sources and defense officials, which detailed how Beijing used the incident as both a live-fire demonstration of Chinese systems and an information campaign targeting Dassault’s flagship fighter.

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Key Takeaways

China’s attempt to exploit the May 2025 India-Pakistan clash.
Beijing used the incident to disparage the Rafale.
Chinese embassy officials persuaded Indonesia to pause a Rafale purchase.
Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier said disinformation campaigns can interfere with marketing efforts.

Dassault Aviation Indonesia Pakistan

Strategic Implications

This report suggests China’s growing influence in regional procurement and its ability to spread disinformation about Western fighter jets. The USCC’s framing indicates Beijing’s objective was not necessarily to displace Rafale contracts, but to sow doubt among undecided buyers.