French military commentator and former French Navy pilot Pierre-Henri Chuet is under investigation in France over allegations that he passed sensitive military information to China. Chuet had earlier drawn attention after claiming that India lost Rafale fighter jets to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Indian defence officials had rejected those claims at the time.

According to a report by The Times of India, French authorities have launched a preliminary inquiry into the matter. Chuet, a 36-year-old French-Canadian national, was detained by France's domestic intelligence agency, the Directorate-General for Internal Security (DGSI). French prosecutors confirmed that the investigation began after they received a report from the Ministry of the Armed Forces on February 19.

The investigation is focused on Chuet's visits to China in September 2018 and August 2019. Reports published by French newspapers Le Parisien and Mediapart stated that he travelled to China to conduct training sessions for Chinese military pilots while he was still serving in the French Navy.

French investigators are examining whether Chuet failed to follow defence regulations during those visits. A source familiar with the matter told the French media that he allegedly did not inform his superiors about the trips. French defence rules require military personnel to disclose such visits. Authorities are also investigating allegations that he shared sensitive military information with Chinese authorities during the training sessions.

Chuet had earlier come into the spotlight during Operation Sindoor, the four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025. During the operation, India carried out air, missile and drone strikes targeting Pakistani airbases, radar installations and terrorist infrastructure.

Throughout the conflict, Chuet posted several videos analysing the aerial engagements. In a video released on May 10, 2025, he claimed that a Pakistan Air Force J-10C fighter jet had shot down an Indian Air Force Rafale using a PL-15 beyond-visual-range missile. There was no official confirmation of this claim.

In later videos, Chuet praised Pakistan's Chinese-made J-10C and JF-17 fighter aircraft. He described the aircraft and the PL-15 missile as "Rafale killer". He also claimed that the conflict showed the effectiveness of Chinese air combat technology.

Indian defence officials strongly rejected Chuet's claims. Dassault Aviation, the company that supplied 36 Rafale fighter jets to India under an intergovernmental agreement signed in September 2016, also denied the allegations. India further strengthened its defence partnership with France by signing another intergovernmental agreement on April 28, 2025. Under the deal, valued at Rs 63,000 crore (USD 7.4 billion), India agreed to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy.

As the espionage investigation continues, Chuet has denied all allegations against him. Speaking to Le Canard Enchaîné, he said, "I simply hosted two three-day seminars." Referring to his second visit to China, he added, "My 2019 trip did not go very well, and I have never set foot in China since."

French authorities have not announced any formal charges against Chuet so far. The inquiry is still at the preliminary stage, and investigators are examining the evidence related to his visits, his contacts in China and the allegations that he may have shared confidential military information. The outcome of the investigation could have wider implications for France's military security and its efforts to prevent the transfer of sensitive defence knowledge to foreign countries.

The case has also renewed attention on Chuet's earlier comments about Operation Sindoor. His claims on the performance of India's Rafale fighter jets had generated significant debate during the conflict. However, Indian officials maintained that there was no official confirmation supporting his allegations, while Dassault Aviation also rejected the claims. With the ongoing espionage probe now placing Chuet under scrutiny, his past statements have once again become a subject of public discussion.