French Ex-Navy Pilot Who Claimed Rafale Downing During Operation Sindoor Faces China Spy Probe

A former French Navy pilot, Pierre-Henri Chuet has been placed under investigation in France over allegations that he shared sensitive military information with Chinese operatives. The pilot, who had earlier sparked controversy in 2025 by questioning the performance of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Rafale fighter jets during Operation Sindoor, has denied the allegations.

Chuet Accused Of Sharing Sensitive Military Information

According to French investigative outlets Le Canard Enchaine and Mediapart, Chuet has been charged over suspicions that he collected and provided classified information to China. He was detained, questioned by France’s domestic intelligence agency DGSI (General Directorate for Internal Security) and later released under judicial supervision.

He faces multiple charges, including sharing intelligence with a foreign power, disclosure of national defence secrets, collecting information related to national interests and providing information to foreign power.

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Former Pilot Had Raised Questions Over IAF Rafale Jets

Chuet came into the spotlight in May 2025 after he questioned the performance of Rafale fighter jets used by IAF during Operation Sindoor. He had praised Chinese-made fighter aircraft such as the J-10C and JF-17, describing them as “Rafale killers.”

China Trips During French Navy Service

Chuet, a French-Canadian national, served in the French Navy’s naval aviation wing until around 2021. During his career, he flew Super Etendard strike fighters and Rafale M multirole fighters from France’s aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. French media reports claim that he made two undeclared trips to China in September 2018 and August 2019 while he was still serving in the French Navy.

The trips were reportedly arranged through a South African aviation company, TFASA (Test Flying Academy of South Africa). During these visits, he allegedly organised training sessions for Chinese military pilots. According to reports by French media outlets, the first seminar in 2018 focused on technologies used for aircraft carrier landings, while the second seminar covered broader carrier operations.

Chuet Denies Allegations

Chuet has denied accusations against him. Speaking to Le Canard Enchaine, he said he had only organised a few seminars and claimed that the trips “did not go well.” He was reportedly placed under formal investigation after questioningby the DGSI and a search of his residence during the week of July 20.

Investigation Began After Defence Ministry Referral

In April 2025, prosecutors in Paris told Le Parisien that they had received a referral from France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces regarding a former serviceman suspected of “sharing intelligence with a foreign power, disclosure of national defence secrets, violation of instructions, dual employment and laundering of the proceeds of tax fraud.” The former serviceman was later identified as Chuet.

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