Pakistan downs Indian Rafale jet in combat, French official confirms

A French intelligence official has confirmed that Pakistan's military shot down at least one Indian Rafale fighter jet during Wednesday's escalating cross-border conflict, marking the first combat loss of the sophisticated French-made aircraft, CNNreported Wednesday.

The confirmation adds weight to Pakistan's earlier claims of downing multiple Indian aircraft during the overnight strikes that have left at least 31 civilians dead in Pakistan.

"French authorities are investigating whether more than one Rafale was lost in the engagement," the unnamed high-ranking French intelligence official told CNN.

Pakistan's military had claimed it downed five Indian Air Force jets, including three Rafales, in response to India's strikes on what New Delhi described as "terrorist camps." Indian officials have not yet responded to these claims about aircraft losses.

Debris recovered from a crash site in Indian-administered Kashmir reportedly shows components with French manufacturing labels, though experts have not conclusively identified the wreckage as belonging to a Rafale jet.

The aircraft's manufacturer, Dassault Aviation, has not commented on the incident.

The loss would represent the first time a Rafale has been downed in combat operations anywhere in the world. India operates a fleet of 36 Rafale jets, purchased from France in a deal worth approximately $8.7 billion.

Military analysts note that confirmation of the Rafale's downing could have implications for perceptions of air superiority in the region.

"The Rafale has been marketed globally as nearly invincible in modern combat scenarios," said defense analyst Rahul Bedi in New Delhi. "Its loss would raise questions about either the aircraft's capabilities or the tactics employed during this operation."

The French military has maintained official silence on the incident as tensions between India and Pakistan remain high, with both sides warning of potential further retaliation.