Latest news with #FrenchAirForce
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
One Rafale lost, but zero were shot down during Operation Sindoor: Dassault CEO rubbishes Pakistan's claim
Operation Sindoor kicked off on 7 May with India launching a high-intensity air campaign. Pakistan's Air Force wasted no time claiming it shot down five Indian jets, including three Rafales, using its J-10C fighters armed with PL-15E missiles. The catch? No evidence ever surfaced. Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation , set the record straight. In his words, the loss was down to a 'technical failure at high altitude', not enemy missiles. He called Pakistan's claims 'inaccurate and unfounded' when speaking to Avion De Chasse. The Spectra electronic warfare suite, which should detect threats, never picked up hostile contact. Flight logs back him up. France fights Chinese rumours This single incident snowballed into something bigger. France's Defence Ministry has accused China's embassies of orchestrating a targeted smear campaign to undercut Rafale sales and push the J-10C as a cheaper option. French intelligence traced fake images, AI-generated clips and thousands of new social media accounts spreading tales of downed Rafales. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Pieces of Clothing you Can be Too Old for Learn More Undo 'The Rafale was not randomly targeted,' said a Defence Ministry note. 'By attacking the aircraft, certain actors sought to undermine the credibility of France and its defence industrial and technological base.' For France, this isn't just about jets. It's about its standing as an arms exporter and a reliable partner. What India has said India's official line has been muddled at best. Defence Secretary RK Singh told CNBC TV-18, 'You have used the term Rafales in the plural, I can assure you that is absolutely not correct. Pakistan suffered losses many times over India in both human and material terms, and more than 100 terrorists.' Live Events Captain Shiv Kumar, India's defence attaché to Indonesia, conceded India lost jets on the first day but blamed government orders restricting strikes to terror camps. 'I may not agree that India lost so many aircraft. But I do agree that we did lose some aircraft, and that happened only because of the constraint given by the political leadership to not attack the military establishments and their air defences.' What the French Air Force chief saw Adding to the confusion, General Jerome Bellanger, the French Air Force Chief, told The Associated Press he saw evidence that India lost a Mirage 2000, a Sukhoi and a Rafale. If true, this marks the first Rafale lost in combat out of the 533 built so far — 323 sold abroad to Egypt, Qatar, UAE, Greece, Croatia, Serbia, Indonesia and India. Yet Trappier stands by his statement: 'the loss of one aircraft' had nothing to do with Pakistan. The wreckage came down at over 12,000 metres, mid-training, far from any enemy radar. The other side of the skies Pakistan didn't escape unscathed. Air Marshal AK Bharti briefed reporters during the clashes that India shot down several Pakistani jets, blocking them from crossing into Indian airspace. 'We definitely shot down several planes, and they have suffered losses on their part,' he said. Unofficial reports suggest Pakistan lost three JF-17 Thunders, two Mirage III/V, an F-16, a C-130 Hercules and two Saab Erieye-2000 surveillance planes. One of those AEW&CS aircraft going down is no small loss. They're the eyes and ears of modern air forces, watching the skies for fighters and missiles long before ground radars can see them. China in the shadows French officials argue China's motive is simple: if Rafale's reputation wobbles, its J-10C fighter looks more appealing. As the EurAsian Times pointed out, Rafale exports have long helped France build influence, especially in Asia where China is keen to expand its footprint. Beijing hit back, saying, 'The relevant claims are pure groundless rumours and slander. China has consistently maintained a prudent and responsible approach to military exports.' Despite the swirl of headlines, Dassault Aviation's share price has started to recover after a brief slump. The stock opened slightly higher at €297.40 on 8 July after Defence Secretary RK Singh shot down Pakistan's claims.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
No Rafale jets lost: Defence Secretary says Pakistan paid a higher price, over 100 terrorists killed in Operation Sindoor
The video that sparked the row Live Events Embassy Steps In French Air Force chief's take What sparked Operation Sindoor No restrictions on armed forces, says Singh (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Defence Secretary RK Singh has dismissed reports that India's Rafale fighter jets were shot down by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor . Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Singh said, 'You have used the term Rafales in the plural, I can assure you that is absolutely not correct.' He also stated that Pakistan's losses were far greater than India' added, 'Pakistan suffered losses many times over India in both human and material terms and more than 100 terrorists denial comes after a clip surfaced online showing Captain Shiv Kumar, India's defence attaché in Indonesia, saying that India lost aircraft during the initial strikes because political orders limited a university event in Jakarta on 10 June, Kumar said, 'We did lose some aircraft and that happened only because of the constraint given by the political leadership to not attack the military establishment or their air defence system.'He explained further, 'Suppression of enemy air defences and destruction of enemy air defences is very very important… I may not agree…that India lost so many aircraft, but I do agree we did lose some aircraft.'After these losses, Kumar claimed tactics shifted towards hitting military sites instead of just terror the video spread on 29 June, the Indian embassy in Jakarta stepped in. It clarified that Kumar's remarks were 'quoted out of context' and said his point was only about the armed forces serving under 'civilian political leadership'. It also underlined that Operation Sindoor was meant to target terrorist bases in a controlled Associated Press reported that French Air Force chief General Jérôme Bellanger had seen evidence suggesting India lost three jets: a Rafale, a Su-30MKI and a Mirage 2000. However, these claims have not been confirmed by India Sindoor began on 7 May after terrorists killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. India launched strikes on nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strikes led to four days of heavy exchanges. Pakistan retaliated with shelling along the Line of Control, which killed at least 22 Indian civilians and eight defence 10 May, India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop active Singh stressed that the Indian military faced no political hurdles. 'No political constraints on our armed forces and they have full operational freedom in conflict,' he told also confirmed plans to raise India's defence spending share in GDP from 1.9 per cent to 2.5 per cent in the coming Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan had also commented on the matter. On 31 May, he told Bloomberg, 'Why they were down, what mistakes were made – that are important. Numbers are not important.' He said Pakistan's claim of downing six Indian jets was 'absolutely incorrect'.With conflicting versions, the row over Rafale losses during Operation Sindoor is unlikely to end soon. For now, the government line is clear: no Rafales were lost and India's response stayed focused on eliminating terrorist threats while avoiding wider escalation.
Hans India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
China Launches Global Campaign To Discredit French Rafale Fighter Jets Following India-Pakistan Conflict
Following India's Operation Sindoor military action against Pakistan, China orchestrated a systematic campaign through its diplomatic network to damage the reputation of France's premier Rafale fighter aircraft, according to French intelligence sources. The operation involved Chinese defense attachés stationed at embassies worldwide actively working to discredit the combat effectiveness of these advanced military jets. French intelligence officials, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, disclosed that Beijing instructed its diplomatic missions to question the Rafale's battlefield performance and discourage potential buyers from purchasing the aircraft. This coordinated effort aimed to undermine France's lucrative defense export business and weaken Paris's strategic partnerships, particularly in Asia where China seeks regional dominance. The disinformation campaign gained momentum after Pakistan's controversial claims regarding the four-day military engagement in May. Islamabad alleged it had successfully shot down five Indian Air Force aircraft, including three Rafale jets, during the conflict. India acknowledged suffering losses but has not disclosed specific details about the number or types of aircraft lost during Operation Sindoor. French Air Force Chief General Jerome Bellanger presented evidence suggesting only three Indian aircraft were lost: one Rafale, one Russian-manufactured Sukhoi, and one Mirage 2000 from an earlier French generation. If confirmed, this would mark the first combat loss of a Rafale fighter jet since its operational deployment. The Pakistani claims created significant challenges for France's defense industry, as existing and prospective Rafale customers began questioning the aircraft's combat capabilities. French intelligence identified this vulnerability and discovered that Chinese officials were actively exploiting these doubts to influence potential buyers away from the Rafale program. The Rafale fighter jet represents a cornerstone of French military exports and serves as a diplomatic tool for strengthening international relationships. Sales of these advanced aircraft generate substantial revenue for France's defense sector while enhancing the country's geopolitical influence, making them a strategic target for Chinese interference. Despite extensive intelligence gathering, French authorities have been unable to establish direct links between the disinformation campaign and Beijing's government. China has categorically rejected these accusations, with the Ministry of National Defense dismissing them as "groundless rumors and slander." Chinese officials maintain their commitment to responsible military export practices and claim to support regional stability. The revelation highlights the intersection of military technology, international arms sales, and information warfare in contemporary geopolitics. As nations increasingly compete for defense market share, the use of diplomatic channels to undermine competitors' products represents a new dimension of economic and strategic rivalry. France's allegations come amid broader concerns about Chinese influence operations and disinformation campaigns targeting Western military technologies and defense partnerships. The incident underscores the vulnerability of defense contractors to reputation-based attacks, particularly when their products face real or perceived battlefield setbacks. The situation continues to evolve as France works to counter the alleged disinformation while maintaining its position in the competitive global fighter jet market. The outcome may influence future defense procurement decisions and shape how nations approach military technology marketing in an era of increased information warfare.
News18
06-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
China Ran Campaign To Damage Rafale's Image After India-Pakistan Conflict: Report
Last Updated: India used Rafales during the May conflict with Pakistan, which was one of the most serious military exchanges between the two nuclear neighbours in years China orchestrated a campaign, using its embassies, to damage the reputation and sales of the French-made Rafale fighter jet following its combat debut during India's May clashes with Pakistan, according to French intelligence officials. As per the findings from a French intelligence service seen by the Associated Press, defence attaches at various Chinese embassies actively cast doubt upon the Rafale's combat performance. Their goal, officials say, was to convince existing buyers, such as Indonesia, not to buy more, and to persuade other potential customers to choose Chinese-made alternatives The Rafale, built by Dassault Aviation, is a key part of France's defence exports. It has been sold to eight countries and plays a major role in France's military partnerships, especially in Asia, where China is growing in influence. India used Rafales during the May conflict with Pakistan, which was one of the most serious military exchanges between the two nuclear neighbours in years. Pakistan later claimed it had downed five Indian aircraft, including three Rafales. India acknowledged losses but didn't confirm the numbers. French Air Force Chief Gen. Jérôme Bellanger said available evidence shows three Indian aircraft were lost: one Rafale, one Russian Sukhoi and one Mirage 2000, another French jet. It marked the first known combat loss of a Rafale. Following the clash, countries that operate Rafales began raising questions about the jet's combat performance. French officials say that a disinformation campaign—linked to both China and Pakistan—spread quickly online. This included fake videos, AI-generated content, and even video game footage made to look like real combat. Thousands of new social media accounts pushed the message that Chinese military technology was superior. French officials have not directly linked the online efforts to the Chinese government. However, French intelligence says Chinese embassy staff echoed the same narrative during meetings with defence officials in other countries, including those considering Rafale purchases. Beijing denied the allegations. China's defence ministry said the claims were 'groundless rumours and slander," insisting it maintains a responsible policy on arms exports. France's Defence Ministry responded by saying that Rafale was the target of a 'vast campaign of disinformation." The ministry added that the attack was not just against an aircraft but aimed at undermining France's defence credibility and industrial strength. Dassault has sold 533 Rafales globally, with 323 of them going to countries such as Egypt, India, the UAE, Greece, and Indonesia. Indonesia, which has already ordered 42 jets, is reportedly considering more. Experts say China's goal may be to weaken France's growing security ties in Asia. According to Justin Bronk, a military analyst at the Royal United Services Institute in London, the campaign was likely designed to limit Western influence in the Indo-Pacific and promote China's defence industry instead. 'They certainly saw an opportunity to damage French sales prospects in the region," Bronk said. (With inputs from AP) Location : France First Published:
Telegraph
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
French fighter jets aren't up to it, claim Chinese agents
China ordered its embassies to undermine sales of French fighter jets and promote its own after Pakistan claimed to have shot down several French aircraft in clashes with India in May, according to French officials. China used its diplomatic network to cast doubt over France's Rafale jets after four days of fighting between the two South Asian neighbours, the sources said. Pakistan claimed its Chinese fighter jets had shot down five of India's aircraft that were made in France, including three Rafales. Pakistan used China's J10-C Vigorous Dragon and JF-17 Thunder planes, armed with air-to-air missiles. It is thought to be the first time the J10-C has been used in active combat. Findings from a French intelligence service, which has been seen by The Associated Press (AP), said defence attaches in China's foreign embassies began a drive to undermine Rafale sales. They have also been persuading countries, notably Indonesia, to backtrack on orders of the French jets and buy theirs. India acknowledged it had lost aircraft in the fighting but declined to say which or how many. Gen Jérôme Bellanger, of the French air force, said he had seen evidence pointing to just three Indian losses – a Rafale, a Russian-made Sukhoi and a Mirage 2000, which is an earlier-generation French-made jet. It was the first known combat loss of a Rafale, which France has sold to eight countries. 'Of course, all those, the nations that bought Rafales, asked themselves questions,' Gen Bellanger told AP. France's defence ministry said the Rafale was targeted by 'a vast campaign of disinformation' that 'sought to promote the superiority of alternative equipment, notably of Chinese design'. 'The Rafale was not randomly targeted. It is a highly capable fighter jet, exported abroad and deployed in a high-visibility theatre,' the ministry wrote on its website. 'By attacking the aircraft, certain actors sought to undermine the credibility of France and its defence industrial and technological base. French officials said the campaign included viral posts on social media, manipulated imagery showing supposed Rafale debris, AI-generated content and video-game depictions to simulate supposed combat. China's ministry of national defence dismissed claims it had launched a Rafale-bashing drive as 'pure groundless rumours and slander'. 'China has consistently maintained a prudent and responsible approach to military exports, playing a constructive role in regional and global peace and stability,' it said. Experts said it would make sense for China to attack French technological prowess and reliability as part of its wider campaign to counter Western countries' influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
