French military confirms investigation into Rafale jet incident After Pakistan-India conflict

A spokesperson for the French military has addressed claims that a Rafale fighter jet was shot down by the Pakistan Air Force amid the recent conflict between Pakistan and India.

Speaking at a press briefing in Paris, the spokesperson emphasised that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear and that several details are yet to be verified, Caliber.Az reports, citing Pakistani media.

"We are closely monitoring the situation concerning the Rafale's performance and are in direct contact with our partner, India, to obtain accurate information," he said.

He noted that reports suggest hundreds of aircraft were involved in the engagement and highlighted France’s interest in gaining valuable insights from this combat experience.

"If the reports of the Rafale being downed are confirmed, it would mark the first such incident in the aircraft's two decades of operational service," the spokesperson added.

To recall, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down six Indian military aircraft during a recent escalation along the India-Pakistan border. The sixth aircraft was reportedly downed during the night of 6–7 May at the peak of the standoff.

According to Pakistani officials, the destroyed Indian jets included three Rafale fighters, one Sukhoi Su-30, one MiG-29, and one Mirage 2000. The PAF and other military branches also claim to have neutralised 85 Indian drones, including one Israeli-made Heron UAV and 84 smaller reconnaissance drones.

By Aghakazim Guliyev