Pakistan Shoots Down Six Indian Warplanes Including Three Rafales: France Responds to Jet Loss Reports
Islamabad/Paris:In a dramatic escalation of recent hostilities between **Pakistan and India**, the **Pakistan Air Force (PAF)** claims to have **shot down six Indian fighter jets**, including **three Rafale aircraft**, during cross-border engagements earlier this month. This would mark the **first reported instance of Rafale jets being downed in combat** if confirmed.
The incidents reportedly occurred during **Indian missile attacks on Pakistan on the nights of May 6–7 and May 9**, to which **Pakistan responded forcefully**, engaging Indian military targets and **neutralizing multiple aircraft**.
During a press briefing on **May 10**, **Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed** confirmed the destruction of six Indian warplanes and added that **Pakistan suffered no losses** in the confrontations.
### France Responds: “Details Still Unconfirmed”
Reacting to the reports, a **French military spokesperson** in **Paris** acknowledged during a regular briefing that:
> “The details surrounding the reported destruction of Rafale jets remain unclear and several aspects require verification. France is currently reviewing the performance of Rafale in this context and is in contact with Indian authorities for firsthand information.”
The spokesperson further stated that if the reports are accurate, this would represent the **first-ever confirmed downing of Rafale jets** in a combat setting.
### Market Impact: Dassault Shares Fall, JF-17 Stocks Rise
Following the news, shares of **Dassault Aviation**, the French company that manufactures Rafale jets, reportedly **declined in the stock market**, while shares of the **Chinese manufacturer of the JF-17 Thunder** — co-developed with Pakistan — **saw an uptick**, reflecting investor sentiment tied to military performance.
### Strategic Significance
The incident has drawn global attention, given the Rafale’s reputation as one of the most advanced 4.5-generation fighter jets in service. The aircraft are a centerpiece of India’s air defense modernization, and any confirmed loss would carry significant implications for **regional security dynamics and defense procurements**.
As of now, neither India nor France has officially confirmed the loss of the Rafale jets, though independent verification may follow as tensions evolve. Pakistan, meanwhile, has positioned the successful operation as a **major achievement for its air force**, showcasing the capabilities of its domestically operated **JF-17 Thunder jets**.
Further developments are expected as both nations assess the broader consequences of this escalation.
