Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier has categorically denied Pakistan’s claim of shooting down three Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighter jets during Operation Sindoor, calling it “factually incorrect” and “inaccurate.”

In a candid interview with French magazine Challenges ahead of the Paris Air Show, Trappier remarked, “What Pakistan is claiming about downing three Rafales is simply not true.” He added that Dassault has received no official communication from the IAF indicating any Rafale loss during the high-profile cross-border mission.

Pakistan’s Claim Rejected by Both India and France

Earlier, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif had alleged that Pakistani forces shot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafales, and captured Indian soldiers during a counterattack after India’s deep-penetration airstrikes. However, no proof was presented to back these claims.

Trappier’s statement aligns with the Indian government’s firm denial of any loss of aircraft during the operation. Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation for a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists, targeted and demolished key terror infrastructure inside Pakistan. The offensive also reportedly inflicted serious damage on Pakistani Air Force installations.

“Rafale Is Unmatched”: Trappier Backs the Jet’s Capabilities

While discussing the Rafale’s performance, Trappier emphasised its versatility: “If you want a single aircraft capable of air-to-air combat, reconnaissance, ground strikes, nuclear deterrence, and aircraft carrier deployment, Rafale is unmatched.”

He acknowledged the stealth advantage of the American F-22 but argued that Rafale surpasses the F-35 in real-world combat versatility. “It’s far better than anything China currently offers,” he asserted confidently.

Analysts Call It Another Episode of Pakistani Propaganda

Defence analysts have dismissed Pakistan’s narrative as baseless propaganda, consistent with its history of unverified claims. “This is a familiar script,” one analyst noted, adding that such statements are often aimed at domestic consumption or narrative building.

With both India and France publicly rejecting the claims, and no visual or material evidence from Pakistan, the alleged downing of Rafale jets stands discredited.

Conclusion: Facts Take Flight Over Fiction

As India continues to strengthen its air power with state-of-the-art Rafales, statements from Pakistan without proof hold little weight. Trappier’s comments not only reaffirm the combat success of Operation Sindoor but also underline the Rafale’s enduring reputation as one of the world’s most capable multirole fighter jets.