French Intelligence Confirms First Rafale Combat Loss as Pakistan Shoots Down Five Indian Jets, US Confirms Two

A French intelligence official confirmed to CNN that the Indian Air Force lost at least one Rafale fighter jet to Pakistan in the past 24 hours, marking the first combat loss of the Rafale since its service entry in 2001. Pakistan's Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, during recent aerial engagements near the border. At least one Indian pilot ejected safely and was receiving medical treatment. U.S. officials corroborated that Pakistan shot down two Indian jets using J-10CE aircraft, confirming that Pakistani F-16s were not involved in the shootdowns. Indian authorities have begun acknowledging multiple fighter jet losses during "Operation Sindoor," with the Rafale among the destroyed aircraft. French authorities are investigating reports of additional Rafale losses. The Pakistani government hailed the downing of the Rafale as a historic achievement, breaking the aircraft's combat invincibility streak. Media outlets continue to analyze the circumstances surrounding the Rafale's destruction amid ongoing India-Pakistan hostilities.