*Helsinki:* A surprising highlight emerged during the ongoing NATOexercise *AtlanticTrident 25* in Finland, when the French Air Force’s *Rafale fighter jet*managed to “take down” a U.S. *F-35 Lightning II* during an aerial combattraining session.
The large-scale drill, involving the U.S., France, the U.K., and severalNATO allies, is aimed at testing high-level aerial strategies, jointoperations, and modern combat technologies. Defense analysts note that suchexercises involve *simulated engagements*, where jets are marked as “hit”rather than being physically destroyed.
According to reports, the Rafale outperformed the F-35 in a *close-rangedogfight simulation*, showcasing its agility and maneuverability. Duringthe exercise, the F-35 was tagged as “neutralized” after beingoutmaneuvered by the French jet.
Military experts explain that while the F-35 is considered one of the mostadvanced fifth-generation fighters thanks to its *stealth features andcutting-edge systems*, the Rafale remains a formidable multirole aircraftthat can excel in *close-quarters air combat*.
Read Top Stories
NATO officials emphasized that the purpose of these drills is notcompetition but enhancing *interoperability and readiness* among alliedforces in different combat scenarios.