New Delhi: In a dramatic twist, Pakistan, which earlier claimed to have shot down at least six Indian Rafale fighter jets, is now praising the French-made aircraft. The contradiction has sparked curiosity and diplomatic chatter across defense circles.
Recently, India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, in an interview during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, admitted that India lost fighter jets during Operation Sindoor. While he did not specify the number, his acknowledgment indirectly validates some of Pakistan’s claims.
This partial admission comes as a jolt not just to India, but also to Dassault Aviation, the French defense manufacturer of Rafale jets, raising eyebrows over the aircraft’s combat performance.
Pakistan Praises Rafale Jets After Claiming to Shoot Them Down — Strategic Flattery or Hidden Message?
But here’s the twist — Pakistan’s Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed recently stated, “Rafale is a very capable fighter jet. Very few aircraft can match its battlefield prowess.”
So why is Pakistan praising Rafale after allegedly shooting them down?
Possible Strategic Reasons Behind the Praise:
Subtle Criticism of Indian Pilots:
By praising the Rafale, Pakistan may be implying that the aircraft wasn’t at fault — the Indian pilots lacked proper training or tactical knowledge to use them effectively.
Confidence in Chinese Technology:
Pakistan might be trying to showcase the strength of Chinese-made aircraft (like the JF-17), hinting they are capable of countering even top-tier Western jets.
Diplomatic Balancing Act:
Pakistan’s key allies — Qatar (36 Rafales), Greece (54), UAE (80), and Indonesia — all operate Rafale jets. Openly criticizing Rafale could strain relations with these countries, many of which are Muslim-majority and key trade/military partners.
Maintaining Defense Ties with France:
Pakistan has ongoing military deals with France. Criticizing Rafale could jeopardize future defense contracts and diplomatic goodwill.
In essence, Pakistan seems to be playing a strategic game — validating its claims of victory while ensuring it doesn’t offend key allies or weapon suppliers.
Meanwhile, the Indian side maintains that all pilots returned safely, and that tactical adjustments were made post-incident to prevent future losses. However, the loss of even a single Rafale is a matter of concern, considering the aircraft’s cost, technology, and national pride.