Dassault CEO Rejects Pakistan’s Claim Of Shooting Down Rafale Jets During Operation Sindoor

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier dismisses Pakistan's claim of shooting down Rafale jets during Operation Sindoor, calling it inaccurate and reaffirming the aircraft’s unmatched capabilities.

Dassault CEO Rejects Pakistan’s Claim Of Shooting Down Rafale Jets During Operation Sindoor

Source : એબીપી અસ્મિતા

In a strong rebuttal to Pakistan's recent claims, Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier has categorically denied that any Indian Rafale fighter jets were downed during India’s Operation Sindoor. This marks the first official comment from the French aerospace firm on the matter, as speculation and counterclaims swirl in the subcontinent.

In an interview with the French publication Challenges, Trappier dismissed Pakistan’s assertion of having shot down three Rafale jets as “inaccurate.” He noted that no official word had come from the Indian side regarding any losses sustained during the early May operation, which was India’s first major combat deployment of the Rafale since its induction in 2020.
“The Indians have not communicated, so we do not know exactly what happened,” Trappier stated, ahead of the upcoming Paris Air Show. “What we already know is that the words of the Pakistanis—three destroyed Rafales—are inaccurate.”

‘Mission Success Matters More Than Losses’

Trappier emphasized that the outcome of modern military operations should not be judged solely by equipment losses, but rather by whether the mission's objectives were achieved. Drawing on historical perspective, he remarked, “During the Second World War, it was not said that the Allies had lost the war because they had lost troops.” He hinted that the full scope of Operation Sindoor’s results might still be unfolding, cautioning that “some may have surprises” as more details emerge.

Operation Sindoor, carried out by the Indian Air Force in early May, was a significant demonstration of air power. The operation showcased precision strikes and air superiority tactics, which, according to IAF sources, dealt considerable damage to Pakistan’s military infrastructure and contributed to a subsequent ceasefire.

Rafale's Role and the Power Narrative in South Asia

Pakistani media had swiftly claimed success in intercepting Indian jets, including the downing of three Rafales—a claim that Indian defense analysts have largely dismissed. Experts point to Islamabad’s history of overstatement and highlight the lack of any verifiable evidence to support such assertions.

The Rafale fighter jet, a 4.5-generation omnirole aircraft developed by Dassault Aviation, has become a cornerstone of India’s aerial defense strategy. Its induction was seen as a game-changer in the regional power dynamics, offering capabilities that range from air-to-air combat and ground strikes to reconnaissance and nuclear delivery.

Rafale vs. the Competition: A Strategic Edge

Trappier reaffirmed the aircraft's stature, asserting that the Rafale remains among the most adaptable and combat-proven jets in the world. He drew a pointed comparison with American and Chinese fighter platforms, claiming the Rafale to be better suited for varied missions, including carrier operations—something not all of its counterparts can perform. His remarks arrive at a moment when defense readiness, arms procurement, and battlefield effectiveness are under the spotlight across South Asia. As tensions simmer and narratives clash, Trappier’s comments provide a rare, authoritative counter to Pakistan’s version of events—one that underscores both the credibility of the Rafale program and the fog of modern aerial warfare.