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At least two Indian fighter jets – including a Rafale and Mirage 2000 – were shot down by Pakistan during attacks on Wednesday morning on sites in Pakistan, reported The Washington Post after reviewing visual evidence.
Pakistan claims it shot down five Indian jets, while India has neither confirmed nor denied the losses, however, debris from French-made jets flown by the Indian Air Force was verified in images reviewed by international weapons experts and defense analysts, as reported by the American newspaper.
The analysis of more than a dozen images and videos posted online following the strikes revealed identifiable wreckage consistent with these aircraft models. Independent verification adds weight to Pakistan’s claims of downing multiple Indian jets in the recent escalation.
One Rafale’s vertical stabilizer showed “BS 001” and an Indian flag, matching prior IAF markings. It was reportedly found near Akalia Khurd, Punjab, where a local farmer died in a post-crash explosion, according to Indian Express.
Separately, photos from Wuyan, Kashmir, confirmed a Mirage 2000 fuel tank and burning wreckage near a school. Videos showed a jet engine lodged in the site, suggesting another crash. In Akhnoor, a third crash site was suspected, but aircraft type was unconfirmed.
Pakistan’s retaliation followed a deep airstrikes launched by India after a terror attack in Pahalgam.
Military analysts say India’s silence is a common strategy to avoid escalating tensions. However, the loss of advanced jets like the Rafale – worth millions – would be India’s worst air force setback since 2019.
The Pentagon-linked Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments said both sides are treading carefully to avoid crossing into full-scale war.
