France responds to reports of Rafale fighter jet loss in India-Pakistan conflict

The French Ministry of Armed Forces has issued its first official statement following media reports claiming that Rafale fighter jets were downed during a recent military clash between India and Pakistan. If confirmed, the incident would represent the first combat loss of the French-built aircraft since it entered service two decades ago.

Speaking to Phoenix TV during a regular press briefing on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the ministry acknowledged the reports but emphasized that the details of the alleged incident remain unclear and unverified. “We are closely monitoring the situation and are in ongoing communication with Indian authorities to gather accurate and direct information,” the spokesperson said.

According to Phoenix TV, some accounts suggest that hundreds of aircraft may have been involved in the engagement, underscoring the scale and intensity of the confrontation. The French military, the spokesperson noted, is seeking to extract operational lessons from the event, whether or not the loss of a Rafale is ultimately confirmed.

Should the reports prove accurate, this would mark a significant milestone in the operational history of the Rafale, which has served in various combat zones without suffering combat losses until now.