First time ever: Rafale fighter jet shot down in combat

For the first time in history, a French-made Rafale fighter jet has reportedly been shot down in combat.

According to a senior French intelligence official speaking to CNN, Pakistan shot down one Rafale jet operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). This marks the first combat loss of the advanced French warplane.

Pakistan claimed it had shot down a total of six Indian fighter jets in response to Indian airstrikes, including three Rafales.

Read more: Rafale’s market crashes, JF-17 manufacturer’s stock price soars after Indian debacle

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, India launched a military operation targeting various areas inside Pakistan, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad.

The airstrikes resulted in the martyrdom of at least 26 Pakistani civilians and left 46 others injured. The strikes followed heightened tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where 26 Indian tourists were killed. India accused Pakistan of involvement but has yet to present any evidence.

In retaliation, the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets, as confirmed by various international media outlets.

Later on Wednesday evening, Pakistan’s National Security Council (NSC) held an emergency meeting. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated that, under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Pakistan reserves the right to respond in self-defence, at a time and place of its choosing, against the loss of civilian lives and the blatant violation of its sovereignty.

Meanwhile, panic gripped various parts of Lahore after residents heard heavy artillery fire. This came hours after Pakistan claimed to have shot down 12 Indian drones, including one over Lahore.

Residents in areas such as Cantonment, Cavalry Ground, Gulberg, Kahna, Model Town, Chungi Amar Sidhu, and several phases of the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) rushed for cover in fear of ongoing attacks.

Upon inquiry, authorities informed this correspondent that the heavy gunfire in Walton was part of a test firing exercise by Pakistani forces and not part of any direct conflict.

As of now, the situation remains tense, with both India and Pakistan on high alert and assessing the damages.