Disinformation Campaign Against Rafale Fighter Jets
A targeted disinformation campaign has been launched against the Rafale fighter jets, involving fake news and videos intended to harm its reputation.
Actors Involved
- Chinese and Pakistani actors are actively involved in propagating this campaign.
Motivations Behind the Campaign
- The campaign aims to damage the reputation of Rafale.
- It seeks to promote competing aircraft like the J10.
- There is an intent to discredit India’s partnership with France.
Examples of Misinformation
- Misinformation has been spread through social media platforms such as TikTok.
- Flawed technical analyses have been used to support false claims.
- False narrative of Indonesia reconsidering its Rafale acquisition, proven wrong by a signed Letter of Intent between France and Indonesia.
Key Claims of the Disinformation Campaign
- Three Rafales were allegedly shot down during operations, which is false.
- Rafale jets supposedly did not operate after the initial phase of operations.
Indian government sources refuted these claims, confirming that:
- Strikes on May 7 involved multiple fighter aircraft, including Rafale, and successfully hit all targets.
- Subsequent strikes on Pakistani airbases utilized Rafale jets to target significant locations.
Indian Government's Response
- The Chief of Defence Staff acknowledged tactical mistakes but emphasized that lessons were learned for subsequent operations.
Spread of Misinformation
- Chinese-origin misinformation has reached western platforms, including claims that France asked India to cease using Rafale jets.