Indian Air Force Rafale DH/EH Shot down

On May 7, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) reportedly lost a Rafale multirole fighter during a significant aerial escalation with Pakistan. Following Indian retaliatory strikes in the Kashmir region, Pakistani military officials claimed to have downed three Rafale jets using air-to-air or surface-to-air missiles. While verification is ongoing, independent reports confirm multiple Indian aircraft crashed within the border. Debris recovered in the Pulwama district, including external fuel tanks, supports the involvement of Rafale or Mirage platforms. This incident marks a confirmed reduction of one Rafale from the IAF’s active inventory during high-intensity combat operations.