In the recent escalation between India and Pakistan, reports indicate that the Pakistan Air Force downed Indian Rafale fighter jets.
On May 7, 2025, during escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistan claimed it shot down five Indian aircraft. These included three Rafale fighter jets, a MiG-29 and a Su-30MKI.
This incident marked the first time a Rafale jet suffered a combat loss. A senior French intelligence official told CNN that Pakistan brought down one Indian Rafale. French authorities are now investigating whether more Rafales were lost in the encounter.
During a routine press briefing in Paris, a French military spokesman addressed the incident. He said that the available details remain unclear and that many aspects still require confirmation.
He explained that France is closely monitoring Rafale’s performance in this conflict and remains in direct contact with its partner India to gather accurate information.
Reports indicate that hundreds of aircraft engaged in the battle, and France aims to extract as many lessons as possible from this experience.
He emphasised that if Pakistan did shoot down a Rafale, it would mark the first time this aircraft experienced such a loss in its 20 years of service.
“Losses are Part of Combat”: IAF Air Marshal AK Bharti
On May 9, Air Marshal AK Bharti of the Indian Air Force responded to a question about the Rafale losses during a briefing. He stated, “Losses are part of the fight, and I cannot give more details than that; it benefits the opposing side.”
India purchased 36 Rafale aircraft from France in 2019 after Pakistan destroyed two of India’s aircraft earlier that year. The loss of three more Rafales in the recent conflict has drawn criticism from international media, which called it a major setback for India’s air capabilities.
Military experts believe that Pakistan’s ability to hit modern fighter jets like the Rafale demonstrates its air superiority over India.
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