A video has emerged showing the wreckage of an Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jet, destroyed in Pakistan’s powerful response to Indian aggression. According to media reports, the footage also reveals debris of the French-made MICA air-to-air missile still attached to its launcher following the crash.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down five Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, in a decisive retaliation. The operation also targeted and destroyed multiple Indian military checkpoints and a brigade headquarters. Pakistan’s retaliatory action came in response to an unprovoked Indian airstrike on civilian areas during the night, widely seen as an open declaration of war.
The escalation has had international ramifications. Following the downing of the Indian Rafales, shares of Dassault Aviation—the French company that manufactures the advanced fighter jets—fell by 1.64 percent in early trading. This comes after a 3.4 percent surge in the company’s shares over the past five days. It is noteworthy that just last month, India finalized a deal with France to purchase an additional 26 Rafale M aircraft.
Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar confirmed during an early morning media briefing that the Indian military raised white flags at the LOC’s Churha Complex, effectively conceding defeat. He stated that the Pakistan Army had inflicted heavy damage on enemy posts and successfully downed five Indian jets and one drone.
Retaliatory operations by Pakistan’s armed forces are ongoing, with reports of continued heavy losses on the Indian side.
