A French military official has confirmed that Pakistan shot down at least one Indian Rafale jet during the May 2025 aerial conflict. This revelation has drawn attention to Pakistan’s strategic air capabilities.
According to French intelligence sources, the Rafale was taken down by a Pakistani J‑10C fighter jet using a long-range PL‑15E missile. This suggests that Pakistan successfully employed beyond‑visual‑range (BVR) tactics.
France’s Air Force Chief, General Jérôme Bellanger, reportedly acknowledged the loss, while Dassault Aviation, the Rafale manufacturer, rejected claims of multiple jets being downed. The company called Pakistan’s reports of three jets shot down “inaccurate.”
Defense analysts say the confirmed loss of a Rafale highlights Pakistan’s air combat strategy and missile technology as decisive factors in the conflict. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the Rafale’s defensive systems, including the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite.
Experts believe that Pakistan’s use of modern missiles, tactical planning, and precise execution were key to achieving success in the May 2025 clashes.
The French confirmation has added credibility to Pakistan’s claims of air superiority during the conflict, marking it as a significant event in South Asian defense dynamics.
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