Dassault Aviation, the French defence and aerospace conglomerate that produces the Rafale fighter jets, has issued an official denial of reports claiming that its Chairman and CEO, Eric Trappier, made operational or technical statements on the utilization of Rafale fighters in India’s recent military operation, said to be codenamed Operation Sindoor.
In a brief and unequivocal statement issued on Tuesday, Dassault Aviation asserted:
“In response to certain press reports quoting Dassault Aviation Chairman & CEO, Eric Trappier, about the Sindoor operation, Dassault Aviation formally denies that Eric Trappier has made any operational or technical comments regarding the use of the Rafale in this operation.”
The clarification counters speculation in various media outlets about Rafale’s role in the Sindoor operation and reported statements by top Dassault management. The company’s denial is for the purposes of firmly distancing itself from such allegations, once again stating that it keeps mum on operational issues relating to client nations.
Dassault Reaffirms Neutrality on Client Operations
Dassault Aviation has always followed a policy of silence regarding the deployment of its aircraft by the national air forces. The Rafale, serving the Indian Air Force, is a multi-role fighter aircraft capable of deep-strike as well as air-superiority missions. Its deployment is still under the strategic whim of the Indian government and its military forces.
By refuting any comment on operations or technology by its CEO, Dassault reiterates its support for upholding the sovereignty and confidentiality of its defence customers.
Speculation Surrounding Operation Sindoor
While the Indian Ministry of Defence has not officially announced it, media reports indicate that Operation Sindoor targeted rising cross-border tension. There have been reports of the potential deployment of cutting-edge aerial assets, such as the Rafale, but no official confirmation has come from Indian authorities.
The maelstrom of rumour over the operation has spawned a flurry of unconfirmed accounts, which prompted Dassault Aviation to release its statement to set the record straight and avoid further disinformation.
Dassault Aviation Emphasizes Importance of Responsible Reporting
The denial highlights the sensitive nature of defence communications, especially with reference to international alliances and strategic assets. Speculative reporting or misattributions on such issues can jeopardize diplomatic sensitivities and defence secrecy.
Up to this point, there has been no official reaction from the Indian government to Dassault’s claim or the wider media coverage of the Sindoor operation.