A senior French intelligence official has confirmed to CNN that a Rafale fighter jet from the Indian Air Force was shot down by Pakistan, marking what may be the first known combat loss of the French-manufactured aircraft.
The confirmation follows Pakistan’s retaliation to India’s early Wednesday morning missile strikes, during which India reportedly launched 24 airstrikes across six locations within Pakistani territory.
According to DG ISPR Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Pakistan Army responded by downing five Indian fighter jets and one combat drone for what was termed “unprovoked aggression and repeated airspace violations.”
Read more: Indian Strikes Kill 31 Civilians Across Pakistan: Muridke, Bahawalpur, and Narowal Hit
The downed aircraft included three Rafale jets, a MiG-29, an SU-series fighter, and an Israeli-made Heron drone. These were reportedly shot down in various locations including Bhatinda, Jammu, Akhnoor, Srinagar, and Avantipur.
CNN reports that French authorities are now investigating whether more Rafale jets were lost during the exchange. “We are aware of the loss of one Rafale and are reviewing reports of additional losses,” a French official stated.
Images allegedly from the crash site in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) show wreckage with French manufacturing labels. However, aviation experts cautioned that while parts appear to be from a French supplier, it is too early to confirm if the debris belongs to a Rafale jet.
Read more: Blast heard in Pakistan’s Lahore amid tensions with India, Reuters witness says
Following reports of the Rafale’s downing, Dassault Aviation—manufacturer of the aircraft—saw its shares drop by EUR 5.40 (1.64%) to EUR 324 on the Paris Stock Exchange. Defense analysts have warned that the stock could fall by another 5% amid concerns over the jet’s performance in active combat.
Analysts suggest the market’s reaction reflects growing confidence in the capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force, particularly its use of JF-17 and J-10C fighter jets developed in collaboration with China.