Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier has refuted Pakistan’s assertion that it shot down three Indian Rafale fighter jets during Operation Sindoor, calling the claim “inaccurate”.
Key Highlights from Trappier’s Statement
- In an interview with French magazine Challenges, Trappier stated, “The reports of Indian Rafales being lost are not accurate”, reinforcing confidence in the Rafale’s combat capabilities.
- He emphasized that Pakistan has provided no concrete evidence to support its claim, while India has not officially commented on the alleged incident.
- Trappier defended the Rafale’s operational excellence, stating that it remains superior to the F-35 in versatility and unmatched in real-world mission readiness.
Pakistan’s Claim vs. Reality
- Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif had earlier claimed that Pakistani forces downed five Indian aircraft, including three Rafales, during India’s retaliatory airstrikes in late April.
- However, no independent verification has confirmed the loss of Indian jets, and Pakistan has not presented any visual proof.
Global Defense Experts React
- Analysts argue that Pakistan’s history of exaggerated military claims raises doubts about the credibility of its statement.
- Indian defense sources indicate that while India suffered some losses, the IAF inflicted substantial damage on Pakistan’s air assets, including six Pakistani fighter jets, two surveillance aircraft, and multiple drones.
Future Outlook
With Operation Sindoor marking India’s first major aerial operation involving Rafale jets, defense experts continue to scrutinize Pakistan’s claims and India’s strategic response.
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