Tue Jul 08 08:30:00 UTC 2025: ## French Air Chief Confirms Loss of Rafale in Indo-Pak Clash, Amidst Disinformation Campaign
**Paris, France** – In a stunning revelation, the French Air Force Chief, General Jerome Bellanger, has confirmed that an Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighter jet was lost during recent clashes with Pakistan, contradicting previous ambiguity surrounding the aircraft’s fate. The confirmation follows Pakistan’s claims of shooting down three Rafales during “Operation Sindoor” in May 2025, claims that were initially dismissed by India and Dassault Aviation, the Rafale’s manufacturer.
According to The Associated Press, General Bellanger stated he had seen evidence indicating the loss of three Indian aircraft in total: a Mirage 2000, a Sukhoi, and a Rafale. This marks the first confirmed combat loss of a Rafale globally, raising concerns among nations that have purchased the French-made fighter.
The revelation comes amidst accusations of a Chinese-led disinformation campaign targeting the Rafale’s reputation to promote the sale of its own J-10C fighter. French intelligence suggests China has been actively discrediting the Rafale by using AI-generated content and viral social media posts to undermine buyer confidence.
The loss of even one Rafale is a significant blow to the IAF, which operates only 36 of the advanced fighters. While India has acknowledged losing aircraft during the conflict, specifics were previously limited, with officials citing operational constraints as a contributing factor.
While the Indian Air Force has not issued an official response, a senior defense official previously stated that “combat operations involve inevitable losses”. IAF Air Marshal AK Bharti, meanwhile, maintained that India had crippled Pakistan’s aerial capabilities, shooting down several Pakistani warplanes, including three JF-17 Thunders, two Mirage III/V variants, one F-16 Block 52, and one C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. Additionally, Pakistan allegedly lost two high-value surveillance aircraft and over 15 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).
The French Air Chief’s statement adds weight to earlier, anonymous claims by a French intelligence official to CNN, hinting at the loss of at least one Rafale.
The incident and the alleged disinformation campaign could have broader implications for the global fighter jet market, with France accusing China of attempting to undermine its strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific region. China has denied the allegations, calling them “groundless rumors and slander.”
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