Dassault CEO Dismisses Pakistan’s Claims of Shooting Down Indian Rafale Jets as "Absolutely Incorrect"

Dassault CEO Dismisses Pakistan’s Claims of Shooting Down Indian Rafale Jets as "Absolutely Incorrect"

The CEO of Dassault Aviation, Eric Trappier, has firmly rejected Pakistan’s claims of shooting down an Indian Rafale fighter jet during past conflicts, calling the assertions "absolutely incorrect." The statement comes in response to repeated claims from Pakistani officials and media suggesting that their air force had successfully targeted the advanced French-made aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

"No Rafale Lost in Combat," Says Dassault CEO

In an interview, Trappier emphasized that no Rafale jets have been lost in any engagement involving the IAF. "The Rafale aircraft are performing exceptionally well with the Indian Air Force, and there is no truth to the claims made by Pakistan," he stated.

The Dassault chief highlighted that the Rafale’s combat capabilities, stealth features, and advanced electronic warfare systems make it a formidable asset, and its operational success in missions speaks for itself.

Pakistan’s Claims Debunked

Pakistan has occasionally floated claims of downing Indian fighter jets, particularly after the 2019 Balakot airstrikes and subsequent aerial skirmishes. However, India has consistently denied losing any Rafales in combat. The IAF maintains that the Rafale fleet remains fully operational and has significantly enhanced India’s air superiority in the region.

Trappier’s remarks align with India’s stance, reinforcing that the Rafale jets have not been compromised in any engagement with Pakistan.

Mission Success Over Propaganda

The Dassault CEO stressed that the focus should remain on the Rafale’s mission success rate rather than unverified claims. "What matters is the operational effectiveness and the success of missions conducted by the Indian Air Force," Trappier said, dismissing Pakistan’s assertions as baseless propaganda.

India’s Rafale Fleet – A Game Changer

India acquired 36 Rafale jets in a multi-billion-dollar deal with France, with the first batch delivered in 2020. The aircraft have since been deployed in strategic locations, including along the borders with Pakistan and China, bolstering India’s defensive and offensive capabilities.

With superior avionics, long-range Meteor missiles, and terrain-following radar systems, the Rafale is considered one of the most advanced fighters in the region, giving India a significant edge over its adversaries.

Conclusion

The latest dismissal by Dassault’s CEO further discredits Pakistan’s narrative and reaffirms the Rafale’s unmatched performance in India’s arsenal. As geopolitical tensions persist, the credibility of such claims remains under scrutiny, with experts emphasizing factual reporting over sensationalized assertions.

For now, the Indian Air Force continues to leverage the Rafale’s cutting-edge technology, ensuring air dominance in the subcontinent.