In recent weeks, a disinformation campaign from Pakistan targeting Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale aircraft, has emerged on social media. This includes fake letters attributed to Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Dassault CEO Éric Trappier. The campaign began on November 25, with multiple instances of false communications surfacing.
One fake letter claimed that delivery of Rafale Marine aircraft was contingent on pilot training, while another urged an investigation into this matter. Jaishankar’s letter, shared online on December 8, was debunked by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on December 11, which warned the public about such misleading information.
The Rafale jet has faced disinformation, particularly following the recent Operation Sindoor, a conflict between India and Pakistan where the aircraft was deployed. Reports have indicated that China may have initiated similar campaigns to obstruct Rafale sales, alleging incidents involving Pakistan’s Air Force.
Furthermore, Indonesia, which has ordered Rafale aircraft, is reportedly reconsidering its purchase in light of these claims. Despite this, the first three Rafale B aircraft for Indonesia are scheduled to be delivered in January 2026.
