Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of the French aerospace company Dassault Aviation, manufacturer of the 4.5 generation Rafale fighter jets, has broken his silence on the claims of a Rafale aircraft being shot down during Operation Sindoor by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
In an interview, Eric Trappier mentioned that no official information has been provided from the Indian side about this incident, leaving the exact circumstances unclear. However, Trappier has made it clear that Pakistan's claim of downing three Rafale jets is entirely false.
Rafale: Superior to the F-35 and Chinese Jets
In the interview, Eric Trappier openly discussed the capabilities of the Rafale aircraft. He claimed that Rafale is one of the finest multi-role fighter jets globally, outperforming the F-35 and all Chinese aircraft.
He said, 'The goal in any conflict is not zero losses but achieving objectives. During World War II, Allied nations lost soldiers, which doesn't mean they were defeated. Even if an aircraft was damaged in Operation Sindoor, the real question is whether the war objectives were achieved or not. Once the truth surfaces, many might be surprised.'
Is Rafale the Best in the World?
According to the Dassault CEO, 'Rafale may not match up to American jets like the F-22, but if one needs an aircraft that excels in air-to-air, air-to-ground operations, nuclear strikes, and even maritime aircraft carrier operations, then Rafale is the best choice.'
He remarked that Rafale has thoroughly met the needs of the French Armed Forces and its other purchasing countries. He emphasized that the aircraft’s 'omnirole' capability is not a weakness but its greatest strength.
