Pakistan’s claims that it shot down three Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale jets during Operation Sindoor have been flatly denied by Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.
In a recent interview with a French newspaper, Trappier explained that the specific circumstances surrounding the purported loss are still unknown because the Indian government has not provided any information.
But in the midst of continuing rumors and increased tensions between the two nations, he challenged Islamabad’s narrative head-on by categorically declaring that Pakistan’s claim is false.
Trappier emphasized that accomplishing mission goals rather than just avoiding losses is the real test of combat aviation success. Using World War II as an example, he pointed out that the achievement of strategic objectives, not the lack of casualties or equipment losses, determines a conflict’s outcome.
“You accomplish a mission when you fly combat aircraft. When all the facts come to light, “some may be surprised by the truth,” he said, adding that “achieving your objectives is what defines the success of the mission, not having zero loss.”
In response to questions regarding the Rafale’s performance, Trappier defended the fighter’s reputation by saying that although it might not be able to compete directly with platforms such as the F-22, its versatility makes it stand out.
The Rafale is a multi-role aircraft that performs exceptionally well in carrier operations, air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, reconnaissance, and nuclear missions. Trappier claims that because of its versatility, the Rafale is far better than the F-35 and far superior to Chinese substitutes, making it the perfect choice for meeting the demands of both the French military and foreign clients.
Widely considered to be a turning point in South Asia’s aerial balance, Operation Sindoor was the first significant deployment of India’s Rafale fleet since its induction in 2020. Defense experts and foreign observers are still dubious of Pakistan’s claims, despite the fact that they dominate its domestic discourse. They point to a history of inflated claims from Islamabad and a lack of supporting data.
The CEO of Dassault has categorically denied Pakistan’s claims of downing Indian Rafales, calling them “inaccurate.” He has also reaffirmed faith in the aircraft’s combat capabilities and emphasized that mission success is determined by goals met rather than by the lack of casualties.
