[By Guancha Observer Network, Liu Chenghui]

"'Rafale is indeed the best aircraft in the world, better than F-35 and far superior to all Chinese aircraft on the market..."

With its reputation tarnished by the Indo-Pakistani air battle, Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale, became anxious and was willing to "swell up" despite the embarrassment.

Just before the opening of this year's Paris Air Show, Éric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, in an interview with French business magazine Challenges, urgently sought to restore the image of Rafale and responded to the "loss issue" that he had previously avoided addressing.

According to the interview report published by Challenges on June 12, when responding to the loss situation of Rafale in the Indo-Pakistani air battle, Trappier said that India has not yet communicated about it, so Dassault does not know exactly what happened.

Pakistan demonstrated and compared images of aircraft debris circulating online with those of Indian Rafales, emphasizing the credibility of the kill claim.

Pakistan had previously announced that its air force had shot down five Indian aircraft using J-10Cs, including three Rafales. A French official confirmed to U.S. media that at least one Rafale was shot down during the air battle.

"Pakistan's claim is inaccurate," Trappier said. "Moreover, when fighter jets are sent on missions, the key is to accomplish the mission. Success or failure of a mission is not determined by zero losses, but by whether the goal is achieved. Just like in World War II, no one would claim that the Allies lost the war just because they suffered casualties...

"As for whether there were losses and whether the war objectives were achieved, we will see. When the truth comes out, some people may be surprised."

Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier, Challenges magazine

Trappier then boasted that after being in service for 20 years, Rafale remains world-class.

"It's always difficult to claim absolute superiority, but I genuinely believe that we are the best in comprehensive performance."

"Obviously, if 'Rafale' were to face off against F-22 in an aerial combat, it would be challenging. But if you need an aircraft capable of performing air combat, reconnaissance, ground strikes, nuclear missions, and carrier operations, I believe 'Rafale' is indeed the best aircraft in the world."

"Not only better than F-35, but also far superior to all Chinese aircraft on the market. It perfectly meets the needs of the French armed forces and purchasing countries."

The host immediately questioned: Isn't this "all-round" characteristic actually a weakness of 'Rafale'? Versatile but excelling in nothing?

Trappier replied that France does not have the ample budget that the United States has to simultaneously afford specialized air dominance and ground attack aircraft types. Therefore, the French armed forces needed a multi-role fighter, which was a correct choice, resulting in extraordinary aircraft like 'Rafale'.

The host also mentioned that a January study by the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) pointed out that 'Rafale' is "technologically falling behind," with non-stealth design possibly leading to it being "systematically suppressed" by the F-35 in aerial combat and potentially becoming a "support role" in high-intensity operations.

Trappier dismissed this lightly.

"The success of the 'Rafale' provokes jealousy, which is why they try to find excuses. F-35 has a small advantage because it was designed as a stealth aircraft, whereas 'Rafale' is not. Due to budgetary reasons, the French government did not choose to add stealth capabilities."

"But stealth has limitations: first, it cannot achieve full-spectrum invisibility; second, stealth requires internal weapon carriage, severely limiting payload capacity. The real question is: how to break through dense enemy defenses? How to destroy their radar and air defense systems? This is what pilots call 'Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses' (SEAD)."

"On this point, the key lies not only in the aircraft itself but also in the weapons it carries. We can integrate anti-radiation missiles into 'Rafale,' but France currently does not have such missiles."

"As for the claim that buying F-35 will make the French Air Force and Navy become secondary players, I wonder when the French will become the 'followers' of European countries using F-35..."

At this year's Paris Air Show, the J-10C booth was "conveniently" positioned opposite the 'Rafale' poster on social media.

In the subsequent interview, they discussed the military sales of 'Rafale'.

Trappier said that Greece, Croatia, and Serbia, three European countries, had placed orders, which was a "real success" for Dassault.

"Greece is our traditional customer, who has purchased French aircraft besides American ones. The other two countries are former Eastern Bloc nations that used MiGs and Sukhois. They turned to us, which is a very good thing. Croatians also told us that they are very satisfied with their aircraft."

He revealed that there were two or three potential customers for 'Rafale'.

"And it is certain that those who have already purchased may need more aircraft. But now, the top priority for customers is to replenish their weapon inventories (missiles, ammunition)."

Regarding whether the production rate of 'Rafale', currently at two per month, can increase to four or even five in the next few years, Trappier admitted it would be quite challenging.

"This is a daily challenge," he said. "Particularly for manufacturers responsible for body and wing components. Due to severe impacts from the pandemic on suppliers, increasing production is difficult, but the production rate of 'Rafale' is advancing in sync with Airbus."

This article is an exclusive contribution by the Guancha Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7517161336775492107/

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