Executive Summary
France’s Rafale fighter jet is under scrutiny after one was allegedly shot down by a Chinese JC-10 aircraft during the India–Pakistan conflict in May 2025. This incident caused a global wave of criticism, powered by what appears to be a disinformation campaign by China, aiming to damage the Rafale’s reputation and promote Chinese jets instead.
As a result, some countries are now reconsidering their plans to buy Rafales, putting France’s defence deals at risk just as it seeks to boost production and expand exports. The jet’s image has become a major point of debate in the international arms market, with rival suppliers trying to take advantage of the situation.
Background: The conflict began on 7 May, when India launched Operation Sindoor in response to a deadly terrorist attack. India struck targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir; Pakistan responded with cross-border bombings. Fighting ended by 10 May, but the Rafale’s involvement and its reported loss, has become the center of a battle over its credibility, with governments and media around the world debating its performance and reliability.
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