The French military has officially responded to reports claiming that Rafale fighter jets were destroyed during the recent clash between Pakistan and India. This marks the first formal reaction from France regarding the performance of its advanced combat aircraft in a live conflict zone.
France Monitoring Rafale’s Combat Performance
During a press briefing held in Paris, a spokesperson for the French military stated that France is closely monitoring the situation and is reviewing the operational performance of the Rafale jets. He added that direct communication has been established with India to obtain accurate and firsthand information.
Possible First-Ever Combat Loss of Rafale
The spokesperson emphasized that if the reports of Rafale jets being shot down are confirmed, this would be the first time in over two decades of operational service that a Rafale jet has been downed in combat.
“France is eager to learn from this experience,” he stated, “and will assess all technical and strategic aspects if the incident is verified.”
Details of the Incident Still Unclear
So far, the details surrounding the alleged destruction of Rafale jets remain uncertain. The French military has acknowledged that many aspects of the incident require further verification. No official confirmation has been provided by the Indian government regarding the loss of Rafale jets.
Pakistan Claims Downing of 7 Indian Aircraft
On May 7, Pakistan claimed to have downed seven Indian aircraft in response to what it described as Indian aggression. According to various reports, three to four of those aircraft were Rafale jets, although this remains unconfirmed by independent sources.
International Media and Experts React
Several international media outlets have described the downing of Rafale jets by the Pakistan Air Force as a significant blow to India’s defense image. Defense analysts say the event, if confirmed, would highlight a major shift in the regional air power balance, with Pakistan asserting its air superiority.
The incident has drawn global attention, especially given the high-profile status of the Rafale jets in India’s defense strategy. With France now actively investigating and seeking clarity, further developments are expected in the coming days.
