In a scathing rebuttal to Pakistan’s high-octane claim of downing three Indian Rafale fighter jets during Operation Sindoor, Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Éric Trappier has called the narrative “factually incorrect” and “not grounded in reality.”
Speaking to Challenges magazine ahead of the Paris Air Show, Trappier dismissed the Pakistani version outright: “What Pakistan is claiming about downing three Rafales is simply not true. We’ve received no indication from the Indian Air Force of any such losses.”
Trappier doubled down on Rafale’s unmatched multirole prowess, asserting its superiority in real-world combat scenarios. “If you want a single aircraft that can do it all—air-to-air combat, reconnaissance, nuclear deterrence, ground strike, and carrier landings—Rafale is unmatched,” he said. He conceded the stealth edge of the F-22 but maintained that Rafale trumps the F-35 in versatility and readiness. “It’s far better than anything China currently offers,” he added.
India Rebuts, Pakistan Offers No Proof
India has categorically denied losing any aircraft during its deep-strike campaign into Pakistani territory, dubbed Operation Sindoor. The mission targeted terror infrastructure in retaliation for a gruesome attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam that left 26 tourists dead. Indian forces followed up with precision missile strikes that reportedly damaged key Pakistani airbases.
In contrast, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif claimed Islamabad’s forces downed five Indian aircraft—including three Rafales—and captured Indian soldiers during a retaliatory mission. However, no evidence—photographic, radar-based, or human—has been presented to support this assertion.
Analysts See Familiar Playbook
Defence analysts have flagged Pakistan’s claims as textbook psychological warfare. “This isn’t the first time exaggerated narratives have emerged from Islamabad post-conflict. The lack of verifiable proof speaks volumes,” said a senior Indian strategic affairs analyst.
With both sides locked in a war of narratives, Trappier’s clear statement adds credibility to India’s account. “When the complete details are known, the reality may surprise many,” he concluded, hinting that more revelations could surface soon.
