Photo: Screenshot from Phoenix TV

According to some media reports, French-made Rafale fighter jets were shot down during the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, sparking widespread discussion. On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the French Ministry of Armed Forces addressed inquiries from Phoenix TV during a regular press briefing, stating that if the information is confirmed, it would mark the first loss of Rafale in combat since its entry into service 20 years ago. This also marks the first official response from the French military on the matter, Phoenix TV reported on Wednesday.

The video clip from news of Phoenix TV quoted a French Ministry of Armed Forces spokesperson as saying that the specifics of the incident remain shrouded in uncertainty, with many details still unverified. He said that regarding the performance of the Rafale, France is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining active communication with India to obtain firsthand information. The spokesperson also said that some reports indicate hundreds of military aircraft were involved in the engagement. The French side aims to draw as many lessons as possible from this high-intensity combat scenario. Should the reports of the Rafale’s downing be confirmed, it would indeed be the first operational loss in its two-decade-long service history, he said, according to Phoenix TV.

Global Times