-
-
Rafale shot down by Pakistan has sparked a cautious first response from the French army after the Pakistan Air Force shot down three of the jets during the recent Indo-Pakistan conflict.
On May 7, Pakistan claimed to have shot down seven Indian aircraft, including three Rafale fighter jets, in response to India’s violation of its airspace.
This incident has been described by international media as a serious blow to India and a rare combat failure for the highly acclaimed French-made aircraft.
Military analysts say this is the first time Rafale jets have been downed in active combat, marking a significant development in air power dynamics between the two countries.
During a press briefing in Paris, a French army spokesperson addressed the issue when asked about Rafale’s performance in the Indo-Pak war.
He said the details of the conflict remain unclear, and France is still gathering information in coordination with its strategic partner, India.
READ: Pakistan ‘shot down’ India’s Rafale, Mirage: The Washington Post
The spokesperson confirmed that France is closely monitoring the situation and that many aspects of the incident need verification before drawing technical conclusions.
According to the spokesperson, France is eager to learn from this battle, especially if reports confirm Rafale’s downing – a first in over 20 years of active service.
India, on the other hand, has officially denied that seven aircraft were shot down, including any Rafales, despite growing media reports.
However, on May 9, Indian Air Marshal AK Bharti told reporters that “losses are part of the fight,” refusing to give specific numbers for strategic reasons.
It is worth mentioning here that the Indian Air Force had acquired 36 Rafale jets from France after its aircraft were downed by Pakistan in the 2019 skirmish; three of them are now reportedly lost.
France has not issued a formal statement beyond the spokesperson’s cautious remarks, indicating a wait-and-see approach before confirming any details publicly.
