New Delhi: Amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, Dassault Aviation CEO and Chairman Eric Trappier for the first time in a public appearance declined Pakistan’s claim that it had gunned down three Indian Air Force Rafale Jets, claiming it as “factually incorrect ” information.
Trappier addressed the India-Pakistan military tensions, while being interviewed by a European publication, regarding the Paris Air Show that would be held between June 16 and June 22. He added that the Indian administration has not provided any official statement regarding the loss of Fighter jets, so the situation remains very unclear.
Pakistani claims are false
Trappier further asserted, “What Pakistan is claiming about downing three rafales is simply not true”.
“In combat aviation, the success of a mission isn’t solely measured by the absence of losses, but by the achievement of objectives. Drawing a parallel with World War II, it wasn’t said the Allies lost the war because they suffered casualties—what mattered was the outcome,” Trappier said.
“Whether there were losses or not and whether the mission goals were met will become clear in time, and some may be surprised by the truth,” Trappier stated.
Pakistan claimed that it brought down 6 fighter jets, including 3 Indian Air Force Rafale Fighter Jets, during Operation Sindoor, although there is no official confirmation regarding the matter. Official reports suggest that all of Pakistan’s claims are falsified as they do not have any evidence.
Operation Sindoor
India launched Operation Sindoor as a retaliatory action against the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir on April 22, which claimed at least 26 innocent lives. The Indian army, along with the Indian air force and Intelligence organisation neutralised several terror camps and caused serious destruction to the terror infrastructure of Pakistan. The operation specifically targeted significant locations of the terror groups linked to the Pahalgam terror attack.
