India and Pakistan Clash: Three Jets Crash, Rafale BS-001 Downed by PL-15 Missile, 26 Civilians Killed

Indian and Pakistani forces have engaged in a significant escalation of hostilities, with reports confirming that three Indian fighter jets crashed in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Air Force has secured the crash sites, but the cause of the crashes remains undisclosed. Pakistani sources claim to have shot down these jets using Chinese-made PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles, with debris from the missiles found in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India. Pakistan also claims to have downed three Rafale jets, one MiG-29, one Sukhoi, and a UAV. Amidst the conflict, Pakistan confirmed the downing of an Indian Rafale fighter jet, identified by its serial number BS-001, marking the first combat loss of this type of aircraft. Footage and images of the wreckage have been shared by locals near Bathinda, Punjab. The Rafale, part of the Indian Air Force's fleet, was reportedly hit by a Pakistani missile capable of reaching speeds over Mach 5 with a range of 145 km for the export version. The conflict has resulted in civilian casualties, with Pakistani officials reporting that 26 civilians were killed due to Indian missile strikes. The situation has prompted international calls for restraint, with the French Foreign Minister urging both nations to avoid escalation and protect civilian lives.