In a press conference, a senior official of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Marshal AK Bharti, admitted that Rafale was shot down by Pakistan.
When asked about Rafale jet, he stated that “losses are a part of combat”. He also mentioned that he would not comment further, as the countries are still in a combat situation, and doing so could benefit Pakistan.
Hence, due to the tone of his statement, it can be inferred that the IAF has acknowledged that their valuable jet was destroyed by the Pakistan Air Force.
#WATCH | Delhi: #OperationSindoor | Air Marshal AK Bharti says, "…Have we achieved our objectives of decimating the terrorist camps, and the answer is a thumping Yes and the results are for the whole world to see…" pic.twitter.com/EH2MMjifpY
— ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2025
Air Marshal AK Bharti then shifted the focus and claimed that India had achieved its objectives. He also stated that “all of their pilots are back home”.
International media confirms Rafale was shot down by Pakistan
It is pertinent to mention that earlier United States (US) officials confirmed that Rafale was shot down by Pakistan.
BBC has also confirmed that a Rafale aircraft fell in Indian territory.
BBC Verify said it had authenticated three videos purportedly showing the wreckage of a Rafale fighter jet in a field in Bathinda.
After Pahalgam incident, it was reported that India signed a deal with France to buy 26 Rafale fighter aircraft worth 630 billion rupees ($7.4 billion) for its navy, the Indian defence ministry said in a statement.
“The delivery of these aircraft would be completed by 2030, with the crew undergoing training in France and India,” the ministry said, adding that the deal is expected to generate thousands of jobs and revenue for a large number of businesses.
At the time, it was said that the Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighters, while the navy’s aircraft fleet mainly comprises Russian MiG-29 jets.
After India’s cowardly and unsuccessful attack on Pakistan’s air bases, Pakistan hit back at Indian air bases, prompting US President Donald Trump to step in and rescue the Indians.
