First Reported Combat Loss of Rafale Fighter Jet May Undermine Its Global Market Prospects
The reported downing of a Rafale fighter jet by Pakistan marks what could be the first combat loss for the French-made aircraft, potentially dealing a significant blow to its reputation and future sales, TRT World reports.
A senior French official confirmed to CNN that Pakistan successfully shot down at least one Rafale operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF), in what experts suggest could trigger fresh tensions in the region.
“If Rafale jets were indeed brought down, it signals a concerning escalation,” said Gilles Boquerat, a South Asia security analyst at France’s Foundation for Strategic Research, speaking to TRT World.
India purchased 36 Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation between 2020 and 2022 at a cost of around $8.7 to $9.4 billion, presenting them as the crown jewels of its air force. The loss of even a single jet in combat not only tarnishes India’s military prestige but also raises questions about its assessment of Pakistan’s growing air capabilities, especially the deployment of Chinese J-10C fighter jets.
“This is a significant embarrassment for the Indian Air Force,” Boquerat noted, highlighting that the Rafale is regarded as India’s most advanced combat aircraft.
The New York Times, citing anonymous Indian officials, reported that “some Indian aircraft had gone down,” though it did not specify the models involved.
Experts warn the incident could have broader repercussions for Dassault Aviation’s global sales prospects. “This combat loss could prompt potential buyers to rethink their investments in Rafale jets, now that their vulnerability in combat has been exposed,” Boquerat added.