With €10.9 billion in orders in 2025 and €30 billion in negotiations in India, Dassault Aviation withstands an unprecedented Chinese disinformation campaign.
The Indian Defence Acquisition Council opened negotiations in February 2026 for the purchase of an additional 114 Rafale jets, the world’s largest ongoing arms deal. Thirty billion euros are at stake, with Dassault’s order book already exceeding €46.6 billion by the end of 2025. While no Chinese fighter jets have been sold internationally through these agreements, China has resorted to fake documents, deepfakes, and televised military exercises in response. This information war has backfired on China due to its own mistakes.
Dassault’s record-high order book of €46 billion
In 2025, Dassault Aviation reported €10.9 billion in orders and an annual revenue of €7.42 billion, up 19%. These figures preceded the Indian announcement in February 2026, marking a significant milestone in the Defence Acquisition Council’s approval for additional 114 aircraft. While this is not the final contract, it is a crucial step. If finalized, this deal will make India the largest export customer in the program’s history, surpassing Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE.
Failure of Chinese fighter sales and operations
Chinese jets like the J-10CE and J-35 have struggled to find buyers in countries like Egypt, Indonesia, and Bangladesh despite promotional efforts. A report from December 2025 highlights how Chinese disinformation campaigns have not deterred states from purchasing Rafale jets from Dassault in Asia, the Middle East, or Africa. Each contract signed with Dassault in these regions secures a market that China cannot influence otherwise.
Sindoor operation and missile recovery
In May 2025, parts of an aircraft were found in India, near the Bathinda airbase. According to US officials, at least one Rafale was lost during the Sindoor operation, a conflict between India and Pakistan. The recovery of a nearly intact missile in Indian territory led to investigations involving US, French, and Indian authorities. The Indian Air Force confirmed the Rafale’s performance during the conflict.
Xuchang exercise: eight J-16 vs. six Indian Rafale jets
In December 2025, CCTV broadcasted images of an exercise in Xuchang involving eight Chinese J-16 fighters against six Indian Rafale jets. Despite claims of superiority from Chinese narratives, the exercise highlighted China’s perception of Rafale as a significant threat, leaving prospective clients unaffected.
Misinformation campaigns involving the Rafale
From false rumors about the UAE canceling a Rafale contract to fake documents misattributed to Dassault’s CEO and Indian diplomats, misinformation has been circulating. However, these attempts have been debunked by official sources and fact-checkers.
Tensions over potential sales to Taiwan and Saudi Arabia
Discussions concerning the potential sale of Rafale jets to Taiwan have raised concerns about Chinese backlash, with potential diplomatic and economic consequences for France. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s consideration of a purchase of 48 F-35s from the US has shifted its focus away from the Rafale.
Key decisions regarding these deals are pending.
