Pakistan Spreads Falsehoods Over India’s 26 Rafale Marine Jets Deal

Pakistan has once again resorted to spreading false news regarding India’s purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets. The French government agency Viginum recently exposed these fabricated reports, which were aimed at creating confusion around this multi-billion-dollar defense deal. Pakistan has a history of such misinformation campaigns. The delivery of Rafale jets will significantly enhance the operational strength of the Indian Navy.

Fake Letters From Pakistan Revealed
The disinformation campaign began on 25 November, when an individual claiming to be a Pakistani digital expert posted a fake letter in the name of Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier. The letter falsely claimed that the delivery of Rafale Marine jets for India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant was significantly delayed. It also stated that Indian pilots would need mandatory ten weeks of training in New Delhi before the aircraft could be delivered.

On 26 November, another pro-Pakistani account released a second fake letter, attempting to validate the first one. A third fabricated letter surfaced on 8 December, allegedly from India’s Foreign Minister, criticizing the French Ambassador in Delhi over supposed delays.

Dassault Refuses to Comment
When approached by French media, Dassault Aviation declined to comment on these specific letters, stating that they did not wish to amplify disinformation. This silence marks a shift from the company’s earlier practice of publicly denying rumors.

A Pattern of Malicious Activities
This is not the first time Pakistan has attempted to spread false information about India’s Rafale jets. In May, during clashes between Indian and Pakistani forces, Pakistan circulated fake claims that it had shot down an Indian Rafale jet—claims which the Indian government completely rejected.

Global Implications
According to US and other international agencies, such disinformation campaigns are often designed to undermine confidence in French defense exports and promote rival military platforms. This latest propaganda effort is particularly significant because, once delivered, the Rafale jets will multiply the operational capability of the Indian Navy, posing a strategic challenge to Pakistan and China.