-
-
The reported downing of Rafale fighter jets by Pakistan marks what could be the first combat loss of the French-made aircraft – posing a serious blow to its reputation and potential future sales, according to TRT World report.
A senior French official confirmed to CNN that Pakistan successfully shot down at least one Rafale operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
“If Rafale fighter jets were indeed downed, that could be a significant step towards escalation,” said Gilles Boquerat, a South Asian security expert at France’s Foundation for Strategic Research, in a comment to TRT World.
India had purchased 36 Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation between 2020 and 2022 for approximately $8.7 to $9.4 billion, branding them the crown jewel of the IAF.
The loss of even one in combat would not only dent India’s military prestige but also highlight its miscalculation of Pakistan’s upgraded air capabilities—particularly its use of Chinese J-10C fighter jets.
“This would be a deep embarrassment for the IAF,” Boquerat noted, emphasizing that Rafales are considered India’s most advanced fighter jets.
The New York Times, citing three anonymous Indian officials, reported that “some Indian aircraft had gone down,” without confirming which models were lost.
“This could negatively affect Dassault’s future export deals, as countries may reconsider investing in a fighter jet now proven vulnerable in combat,” he warned.
