94Ha ViewpointIn the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, the French Rafale fighter jet was suspected to have been shot down, and this incident has been hotly debated by all walks of life.
A military spokesman for the French Ministry of Defense answered questions from Phoenix TV reporters at a regular press conference on May 27, emphasizing that if the relevant information is true, this will be the first time that the Rafale fighter jet has been damaged in actual combat in its 20 years of service. This is also the first time that the French military has made an official response to this topic.
Colonel Vernet, spokesman for the Armed Forces Staff of the French Ministry of Defense, said that the specific circumstances of the incident are still shrouded in mystery and a lot of information cannot be confirmed. As for the performance of the Rafale fighter jet, France is highly concerned and is maintaining close communication with India to obtain first-hand information. Colonel Vernet also revealed that some reports pointed out that hundreds of military aircraft were used in this battle. The French side will learn as much experience as possible from this high-intensity battle. If the relevant information about the Rafale fighter jet being shot down is true, this will be the first time it has been damaged in actual combat in its 20 years of service.
According to previous reports, at 1:05 a.m. local time on May 7, the Indian military launched a military strike codenamed “Operation Vermilion”, firing missiles at nine targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, and the Pakistani Air Force shot down several Indian Air Force fighters in the interception counterattack. Pakistan said that Pakistan shot down five Indian Air Force fighters, including three Rafale fighters.
It is worth noting that although the Indian authorities have not yet confirmed the loss of the Rafale and Dassault has not responded positively, with the widespread circulation of pictures of the Rafale wreckage and evidence such as recordings released by Pakistani military officials, this result has been generally confirmed by the outside world.
Previously, a French intelligence official confirmed to CNN that at least one Rafale in India was shot down by Pakistan. Reuters also quoted two US officials as saying that it was certain that a J-10 fighter had successfully shot down at least two Indian military aircraft, including the Rafale.
In a report published on the 14th, France 24 TV pointed out that Chinese weapons passed the test of actual combat in the India-Pakistan conflict and performed far beyond expectations, which sounded a wake-up call for those who have long despised Chinese weapons.
