Ex-French Pilot Probed Over China Links
A former French Navy Rafale pilot has been placed under formal investigation in France over allegations that he passed sensitive military information to China. Pierre-Henri Chuet had earlier attracted attention by claiming that India lost Rafale fighters during Operation Sindoor and praising Chinese-made combat aircraft.
Former Rafale Pilot Faces China Probe
Chuet was detained and questioned by France’s domestic intelligence agency during the week of July 20. His residence was also searched before he was presented to an investigating magistrate.
He is being investigated for suspected intelligence links with a foreign power, disclosure of national defence secrets and transferring information connected to France’s fundamental interests.
Chuet has since been released under judicial supervision. A formal investigation under French law does not amount to a conviction, and he has denied the allegations.
China Training Trips Under Investigation
Investigators are examining two trips Chuet allegedly made to China in 2018 and 2019 while serving in the French Navy.
The visits were reportedly arranged through a South African aviation company and were allegedly not disclosed to his military superiors.
Chuet is accused of conducting seminars for Chinese military pilots covering carrier landings and naval aviation operations. He has maintained that he only conducted two short seminars and did not reveal classified information.
Pilot Claimed India Lost Rafales
Chuet later became a prominent defence commentator and built a large online following.
During Operation Sindoor in May 2025, he claimed that a Pakistani J-10C fighter had shot down an Indian Rafale using a Chinese PL-15 missile. He also praised the J-10C and JF-17 as potential “Rafale killers.”
His claims were not officially confirmed. India acknowledged losing some aircraft during the conflict but did not confirm the loss of any Rafale fighters.
