# French official claims Pakistan shot down Indian Rafale fighter jet

> A top French intelligence official told CNN that Pakistan downed an Indian Rafale jet, possibly marking the first combat loss of the French-made aircraft. Pakistan claims it shot down five Indian jets, including three R…

Published: 2026-09-16 · Desk: Latest · Source: CNN

A senior French intelligence official informed CNN today that a Rafale fighter jet, operated by the Indian Air Force, has reportedly been downed by Pakistan. If confirmed, this would be the first instance of a Rafale—an advanced French-made combat aircraft—being lost in active military engagement.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan announced that it had shot down five Indian Air Force jets in response to Indian airstrikes, claiming that three of the downed aircraft were Rafales. Indian authorities have not yet issued a response to these allegations.

The French official further stated that French authorities are currently investigating whether Pakistan may have downed more than one Rafale jet during the overnight military action.

Original reporting: https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/india-pakistan-attack-kashmir-tourists-intl-hnk?fbclid=IwY2xjawKJF59leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFlRzZ4NWt4MmZMd1lmM25tAR7SFWqLb-Wna7xdr-gEyC-s-qsdKBlgBIEbtDPZWLw7AqiyVOIoGRGioTkLkA_aem_9ELGwXqyBXfSZoxljA1EPQ
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