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In a firm rebuttal to Pakistani claims, Dassault Aviation has dismissed assertions that three Indian Rafale fighter jets were shot down during the recent Operation Sindoor. Dassault CEO Éric Trappier called the allegations “inaccurate and unsupported,” adding that the Rafale remains one of the most capable combat aircraft in the world.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming Paris Air Show, Trappier addressed speculation surrounding the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) operations during the high-intensity conflict in May. “We don’t have all the details, as India hasn’t officially released information,” he told Challenges magazine. “But what the Pakistanis are claiming — that three Rafales were destroyed — is not accurate.”
Pakistan had earlier claimed it downed six Indian aircraft, including three Rafales, during a series of retaliatory air exchanges. The engagement marked the IAF’s first large-scale deployment of the Rafale since its induction in 2020 and has since drawn international attention.
Trappier emphasized that combat success is measured by operational outcomes, not just by whether aircraft return unscathed. “In a combat mission, the goal is to accomplish the assigned objectives. Zero losses are always desirable, but not the only metric,” he said. “Even during World War II, the Allies took significant losses — that didn’t mean they failed.”
He hinted that a clearer picture would emerge once India formally shares mission details. “We’ll eventually learn whether there were any losses and whether the objectives were achieved. When that happens, some people might be surprised,” he noted.
India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, has also publicly rejected Pakistan’s claims, labelling them “absolutely incorrect.” While acknowledging that the IAF did incur some losses, Chauhan maintained that the operation’s core objectives were successfully met.
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to escalatory actions attributed to Islamabad. The IAF reportedly carried out deep precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure and military assets inside Pakistani territory, showcasing the Rafale’s long-range strike capabilities and multi-role adaptability.
Trappier also addressed comparisons with rival platforms, reiterating confidence in the Rafale’s combat performance. “The Rafale is better than the F-35 and far superior to any Chinese aircraft currently in service,” he asserted, citing the fighter’s proven record across diverse theatres.
Independent defence analysts have similarly expressed scepticism over Pakistan’s narrative, noting the absence of corroborating evidence such as satellite imagery, radar data, or wreckage. Islamabad has yet to present verifiable proof to support its claims.
With the Indian government maintaining strategic silence and international observers urging restraint, Trappier’s remarks add credibility to the growing doubts surrounding Pakistan’s assertions—while reinforcing global confidence in Rafale’s operational edge.
Team BharatShakti
