Dassault Rafale India is once again in the headlines after Dassault Aviation, the maker of Rafale jets, dismissed Pakistan’s unverified claim of downing three Indian Rafales during Operation Sindoor. CEO Eric Trappier clarified that one aircraft was lost due to a technical issue, not enemy action.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had claimed that on May 7, during the India-Pakistan conflict, it shot down five Indian Air Force jets, including three Rafales, using Chinese J-10C fighters and PL-15E missiles. However, Pakistan has not provided any visual or technical proof to support these claims.
Dassault Responds with Clarity
Dassault Aviation quickly responded, saying CEO Eric Trappier did not make any operational or technical statements. The company emphasized that no Indian Rafale jets were lost in combat. The claim of losing three jets was termed “inaccurate and unfounded.”
A French aviation news site, Avion Chasse, originally reported that Trappier acknowledged a jet loss. However, Dassault later issued a clarification, stating:
“Eric Trappier has made no official comment on any aircraft losses or combat operations involving the Indian Air Force Rafales.”
French Intel: China Behind Rafale Disinfo Campaign
A report by French intelligence services uncovered a deliberate disinformation campaign led by Chinese defense attachés. The goal was to discredit the Dassault Rafale India fleet and push Chinese military hardware instead.
French officials said that multiple nations raised concerns about Rafale’s performance after Pakistan’s unsupported claim. The Defense Ministry said:
“The disinformation targeted France’s strategic image, industrial base, and its global defense credibility.”
This aligns with China’s growing defense export ambitions in Southeast Asia and Africa, where Rafale competes with Chinese JF-17 and J-10C jets.
India Denies Pakistani Claims
India’s Defense Secretary RK Singh denied Pakistan’s claim, stating:
“You used the term Rafales in plural. I can assure you that is not correct.”
He confirmed that India’s losses were limited and not linked to Pakistani air strikes.
Indian Navy Captain Shiv Kumar admitted that a few aircraft were lost in the early phase of Operation Sindoor, but said it was due to internal political restrictions on targeting Pakistani military installations—not enemy action.
Strategic Importance of Dassault Rafale India Program
The Dassault Rafale India deal marked a significant leap in India’s aerial defense. With 36 jets already delivered, the Indian Air Force has praised the Rafale for its performance, especially in high-altitude operations like those near Ladakh.
Dassault has delivered over 530 Rafale jets globally, with exports to:
- Egypt
- Greece
- UAE
- Indonesia
- Qatar
- Croatia
- Serbia
The Rafale’s reputation for multirole capability, stealth, and precision makes it a cornerstone of France’s defense exports.
Additional Insight
Experts argue that this attack on the Rafale brand is part of a wider information war. Dassault Rafale India remains a trusted program for France and India, despite geopolitical noise.