Cheap Chinese Jets, Costly French Embarrassment

The historic rivalry between India and Pakistan has once again flared up in recent months.

And so far, one of the unexpected casualties of this renewed conflict has been France.

In the earliest days of the skirmishes, reports emerged that three Indian Air Force Rafale jets—France’s pride in aerial combat—had been shot down by Chinese-made Pakistani fighters.

The fallout was swift and severe: the French defense contractor behind the Rafale suffered an unprecedented plunge in its stock value.

The incident has also shaken confidence among potential buyers of the jet.

One such buyer, Indonesia, now appears to be reconsidering its commitment to the deal.

Reports suggest that Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense is hesitant to finalize its Rafale purchase.

Before the India–Pakistan conflict reignited, the French-made Rafale held a strong position in the global arms market.

But so far, cheaper Chinese alternatives have proven capable of rewriting the rules.