Rafale manufacturer Dassault Aviation's CEO Eric Trappier, speaking to French magazine Challenges, dismissed Pakistan's claim of destroying three Rafales during conflict with India and called the claim "Inaccurate."
He was asked, "India's loss of at least one Rafale" during the air battle with Pakistan in early May has raised questions in defence circles. Has the Rafale reached its limits?"
Trappier responded,"The Indians haven't communicated, so we don't know exactly what happened. What we already know is that what the Pakistanis are saying is inaccurate. On the other hand, when you operate combat aircraft, you are carrying out a mission. The success of the mission is not having zero losses, it's having achieved its objectives."
Drawing a comparison with historical conflicts he said, "During the Second World War, it wasn't said that the Allies had lost the war because they had lost troops."
He further said, We'll see if there were losses or not, and if the war aims were achieved. When the truth comes out, some people may be surprised," he said.
When asked, is Rafale is still at the best level in the world? He said,"I think that the Rafale is indeed the best aircraft in the world, better than the F-35 and much better than all the Chinese aircraft in the market. It perfectly meets the needs of the French armed forces and the countries that have purchased it."
Earlier, India's Chief Of Defence Staff (CDS) also termed Pakistan's claims as "Absolutely incorrect."
