PARIS, France: French military and intelligence officials have accused China of orchestrating a covert campaign to damage the reputation of the Rafale fighter jet, a key export of France's defense industry.

According to findings reviewed by the Associated Press, French intelligence services believe China used its diplomatic network to spread doubts about the aircraft's performance following recent combat engagements between India and Pakistan.

The campaign reportedly began after a major flare-up in May between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, during which both sides deployed numerous aircraft in one of their most serious military confrontations in years. India used French-made Rafales in the clashes, while Pakistan relied heavily on Chinese-made jets and missiles. Soon after, questions began circulating online and in diplomatic circles about the effectiveness of the Rafales in the conflict, particularly after Pakistani claims that its air force had shot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafales.

Although India confirmed some aircraft losses, it did not specify numbers. French officials said they had information confirming the loss of only three Indian aircraft: a Rafale, a Russian-made Sukhoi, and a Mirage 2000, another French-made plane. This marked the first known combat loss of a Rafale, a jet France has sold to eight countries.

French authorities say an aggressive disinformation campaign stoked the resulting wave of skepticism about Rafale's performance. According to military and intelligence findings, Chinese defense attachés stationed in foreign embassies actively worked to discredit the Rafale in meetings with defense officials from other countries.

These efforts targeted both nations that had already purchased Rafales—such as Indonesia—and prospective buyers, urging them to reconsider and opt for Chinese-made alternatives.

French officials believe this was part of a broader Chinese strategy to erode France's credibility in international defense markets, especially in Asia, where Beijing seeks to expand its influence. Although they have not directly linked the online portion of the campaign to the Chinese government, researchers documented more than 1,000 new social media accounts created around the time of the India-Pakistan clashes.

These accounts pushed narratives praising Chinese technological superiority, using manipulated images, AI-generated videos, and even video game content to depict supposed Rafale failures.

In a statement to the AP, China's Ministry of National Defense denied the allegations, calling them "groundless rumors and slander," and reiterated that China adheres to a "prudent and responsible" policy on military exports.

France's Defense Ministry described the campaign as a targeted attempt to undermine not just a weapons system but the image of French strategic autonomy, industrial reliability, and diplomatic partnerships. "The Rafale was not randomly targeted," the ministry stated, noting that it is a high-profile aircraft deployed in sensitive theaters and integral to France's international defense strategy.

To date, Dassault Aviation has sold 533 Rafales, with 323 destined for export markets. Indonesia, which has ordered 42 of the jets, is reportedly reconsidering additional purchases — a move that French officials fear may have been influenced by the disinformation campaign.

Experts suggest that Beijing's efforts reflect a strategic intent to weaken France's defense ties in Asia and position Chinese technology as the more reliable alternative.

"They certainly saw an opportunity to damage French sales prospects in the region," an official said.