Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Éric Trappier has firmly denied reports that India lost Rafale fighter jets during the recent Operation Sindoor conflict with Pakistan. In a statement quoted by French defence portal Avion De Chasse, Trappier clarified that no Rafale aircraft were downed by enemy fire.
Technical Glitch, Not Combat Loss
According to Trappier, a Rafale was lost due to a technical failure at high altitude, but the incident occurred during a routine training mission and had no link to combat. “At an altitude of over 12,000 metres during an extended training mission, with no enemy involvement or hostile radar contact,” he confirmed.
This clarification comes amid a wave of speculation over Indian Air Force (IAF) losses during the brief yet intense military operation in June.
Indian Defence Secretary Denies Combat Losses
On Monday (July 7), Indian Defence Secretary RK Singh also dismissed the idea that multiple Rafales were lost during the four-day standoff.
“You have used the term Rafales in the plural, I can assure you that is absolutely not correct,” Singh told Network18.
He went on to highlight the extent of Pakistan’s losses in the operation.
“Pakistan suffered losses many times over India in both human and material terms and more than 100 terrorists.”
Forces Had Full Operational Freedom, Says Singh
Singh clarified that Indian armed forces had complete autonomy during the operation. “No political constraints on our armed forces and they have full operational freedom in conflict,” he added.
India’s Top Military Officials Acknowledge Some Losses
Last month, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan acknowledged losses on the Indian side but rejected Pakistan’s exaggerated claims.
At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Chauhan said: “Absolutely incorrect,” referring to Pakistan’s assertion that it downed six Indian aircraft, including Rafales.
Indian Defence Attaché Admits Limited Losses
India’s Defence Attaché to Indonesia, Navy Captain Shiv Kumar, also addressed the issue at a seminar in Jakarta, countering a Pakistani speaker’s claims.
“I may not agree with him that India lost so many aircraft. But I do agree that we did lose some aircraft, and that happened only because of the constraint given by the political leadership to not attack the military establishments and their air defences,” Capt. Kumar said.
French Intelligence Blames China for Disinformation
Meanwhile, French intelligence suspects China of orchestrating a disinformation campaign against the Rafale jet. According to the Associated Press, classified intel shows Chinese defence attachés have actively tried to dissuade countries like Indonesia from purchasing more Rafale jets and instead opt for Chinese-made fighters.