The shares of Dassault Aviation, the French company behind the Rafale fighter jet, fell sharply by 6 percent on Tuesday, following Pakistan’s claims that its air force had shot down multiple Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets on Tuesday night.
According to senior Pakistani defence officials and high-level security sources, a total of six Indian aircraft were destroyed during the encounter: three Rafale jets, one MiG-29, one SU-30, and a Heron surveillance drone. All aircraft were reportedly flying within Indian airspace but attempting to strike Pakistani territory using stand-off munitions, Pakistan-based Saama TV reported.
“None of our aircraft suffered any damage. All units returned safely to base,” a Pakistani military spokesperson confirmed, emphasizing the PAF’s operational readiness and commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s airspace.
Officials added that a Rafale and an SU-30 were brought down near Ahmedpur East, Bahawalpur on the Indian side of the border. Another Rafale was reported downed southwest of Awantipora, Pulwama district, around 17 nautical miles from the Line of Control.
Meanwhile, Indian media outlets, quoting unofficial sources, have claimed that Pakistani fighter jets were also shot down in retaliation. However, Pakistan’s defence officials have strongly denied the reports, calling them “baseless, fabricated, and an attempt to mislead the public amid mounting pressure.”
bd-pratidin/GR
