In the recent conflicts between India and Pakistan, it was rumored that France's Rafale fighter jets were shot down, a matter that has drawn much attention from all sectors.
The French Ministry of Defense spokesman answered the question raised by the Phoenix Television reporter 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 since its service for 20 years. This is also the first official response from the French military on this topic.
Colonel Vernier, the spokesperson for the Joint Staff of the French Ministry of National Defense Armed Forces, stated that the specific circumstances of the incident are still shrouded in mystery, with many pieces of information yet to be confirmed. Regarding the performance of the "Rafale" fighter jets, the French side is highly concerned and is maintaining close communication with India to obtain firsthand information. Colonel Vernier also revealed that some reports indicated that hundreds of aircraft were involved in this battle. The French side will draw as much experience as possible from this high-intensity battle. If the relevant information about the "Rafale" fighter jets being shot down is true, this will be the first time they have been damaged in actual combat since their service for 20 years.
According to previous reports, at 1:05 AM local time on May 7, the Indian military launched Operation Vermilion, a military strike against nine targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, firing missiles. The Pakistani Air Force intercepted and shot down several Indian Air Force aircraft during counterattacks. Pakistan stated that five Indian Air Force fighters were shot down, including three Rafale fighters.
It is worth noting that although the Indian government has not officially confirmed the loss of the "Rafale", and the Dassault Company has not directly responded, with the widespread circulation of photos of the wreckage of the "Rafale" and evidence such as recordings released by the Pakistani military, this result has been widely recognized by the outside world.
A French intelligence official previously confirmed to CNN that India indeed had at least one "Rafale" fighter jet shot down by Pakistan. Reuters cited two U.S. officials as saying they were certain that a J-10 fighter successfully shot down at least two Indian military aircraft, including the "Rafale".
In a report published on the 14th, France 24 pointed out that Chinese weapons passed the test in the India-Pakistan conflict, performing far beyond expectations, which sounded an alarm for those who have long underestimated Chinese weapons.
(Observation Network comprehensive report from Phoenix TV and Reuters, CNN)
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Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7509305528712036879/
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