PARIS: A French newspaper has reported that a military operation in Pakistan has exposed significant weaknesses in the Indian Air Force.
According to the publication, the destruction of Indian fighter jets—particularly the Rafale, has been a major embarrassment and blow to the Indian Air Force. India has admitted the loss of at least three fighter aircraft.
The newspaper stated that one of the jets downed by the Pakistan Air Force was a Rafale. Indian security sources confirmed the destruction of the aircraft to a French news agency.
According to the report, India had purchased 36 Rafale fighter jets from France in 2016 for nearly €8 billion to enhance its aerial capabilities. A report by India’s Auditor General in December 2024 raised questions about technical issues and pilot training within the Indian Air Force.
The French outlet also highlighted that the Pakistan Air Force, due to 15 years of counter-terrorism operations, has more real combat experience than India. Pakistan possesses modern French and Chinese-made fighter aircraft that serve as a counterbalance to India’s air power.
The French newspaper also claimed that India forced media outlets to remove coverage of the fighter jet losses.
