A recent report by a French media outlet has reignited the debate over thePakistan Air Force’s (PAF) combat performance against the Indian Air Force(IAF), claiming that at least two Indian Rafale fighter jets were struckduring the May conflict earlier this year.
According to the French report, the engagement allegedly involved the PAF’slong-range *PL-15 air-to-air missiles*, which targeted the newly-inductedRafale aircraft of the IAF. The report suggests that one of the jetsmanaged to return to base with its pilot surviving, but the *operationalstatus of the aircraft remains uncertain*, fueling speculation overpossible damage.
This claim adds to earlier reports circulating in regional andinternational media regarding successful PAF strikes on IAF aircraft. Inthe past, multiple accounts—particularly following the 2019 Balakotincident—have highlighted PAF’s ability to neutralize Indian jets,including the confirmed downing of an IAF MiG-21 Bison and the disputedloss of other aircraft.
While Indian officials have consistently denied additional losses, theFrench outlet’s report has once again placed the spotlight on PAF’sevolving air combat capabilities, especially with the integration of modernChinese-origin systems such as the JF-17 Block III and advanced missiletechnology.
Analysts note that if the report proves accurate, it would mark a *serioussetback for the IAF*, raising questions about the survivability of itsfront-line Rafale fighters—aircraft heavily promoted as a game-changer inSouth Asia’s airpower equation.
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At the same time, the absence of independent confirmation means the reportremains *unverified*, with both Indian and Pakistani defense officialsdeclining to comment on the matter.
Nonetheless, the French claim has injected fresh momentum into an alreadyheated debate on regional air superiority, with defense observers closelywatching for further disclosures.