The acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets by India has once again become the target of a sophisticated online disinformation campaign.
A new report by Viginum, the French government agency dedicated to detecting foreign digital interference, has flagged a series of forged letters designed to create confusion regarding the multi-billion dollar defence deal.
The operation was first brought to light by the French satirical weekly Le Canard enchaîné.
The malicious campaign began on November 25, 2025, when a fabricated document appeared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Posted by a user posing as a Pakistani digital communications expert, the letter was falsely attributed to Éric Trappier, the CEO of Dassault Aviation.
The forged text claimed that the delivery of the Rafale Marine jets—intended to strengthen the air wing of India's indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant—faced significant delays.
It alleged that Indian pilots would require a mandatory ten-week training programme in New Delhi before the aircraft could be handed over.
The disinformation effort escalated the following day, November 26.
A different account, known for sharing pro-Pakistani content, circulated a second fake letter, also bearing Trappier’s name.
This document attempted to validate the first forgery by urging Indian authorities to investigate the "leak" of the initial letter, thereby reinforcing a false narrative of internal discord and administrative hurdles.
A third and more diplomatic provocation occurred on December 8. A forged letter, purporting to be from India’s External Affairs Minister, was released online.
This fake document contained sharp criticism directed at the French ambassador in New Delhi regarding the alleged delays.
When approached by French media, Dassault Aviation declined to comment on the specific letters, stating that they did not wish to amplify the reach of the disinformation.
This silence marks a shift in strategy from the company’s previous aggressive denials of similar rumours.
This recent wave of digital interference is not an isolated incident.
In May 2025, following aerial engagements during India’s "Operation Sindoor," a coordinated network of nearly 1,000 fake social media accounts disseminated manipulated videos and images.
These posts falsely claimed that Pakistani forces, utilizing Chinese-origin hardware, had shot down three Indian Rafale jets.
Intelligence assessments, including reports from the United States, have previously indicated that such campaigns are often designed to undermine confidence in French defence exports while promoting rival military platforms.
The timing of this latest operation is significant, coinciding with India’s solidified commitment to the Rafale Marine to enhance its naval aviation capabilities.
As hybrid warfare increasingly targets public perception, these incidents underscore the fragility of information surrounding major defence procurements.
The findings by Viginum highlight the growing need for vigilance to protect strategic partnerships, such as the Franco-Indian cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, from malicious digital interference.
