A top French intelligence official has confirmed that Pakistan has shot down at least one Rafale jet fighter used by the Indian Air Force, marking the first-ever combat loss of the French-made jet. The Rafale Fighter, known for its cutting-edge capabilities and multirole performance, has never been downed in battle until now, according to a report by CNN citing an intelligence official. “This is the first time that one of the most advanced French-made fighter jets has been destroyed in combat,” the official stated.
The French government is now investigating whether Pakistan may have downed more than one Rafale during the recent flare-up of tensions along the Line of Control (LoC). Photographs from the crash site reveal debris marked with labels from a French manufacturer, further fueling speculation. However, aviation analysts caution that the evidence is not yet conclusive in confirming the identity of the aircraft.
CNN also reported that Dassault Aviation, the French defense giant responsible for manufacturing the Rafale, has not responded to inquiries about the incident. The silence from the company comes amid a sharp 6% drop in its shares following reports of the aircraft’s downing.
Earlier, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that the Pakistan Air Force had downed five Indian jets, including three Rafales, one Russian-made Su-30, and a MiG-29. Though India has not officially responded to these claims, the international community is closely observing the situation given the high stakes between the nuclear-armed rivals.
The French intelligence source noted that the country’s defense and intelligence agencies are actively assessing the scale of the damage inflicted on the Indian Air Force fleet. The loss of even a single Rafale, considered one of the most technologically advanced jets with precision strike capabilities, would represent a serious blow.
The dramatic escalation has intensified geopolitical tensions, and with the Rafale’s reputation now potentially impacted, defense analysts predict further diplomatic and strategic fallout in the days ahead.
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