Daily Updates News 
A Rafale fighter jet in high-altitude training—Dassault confirms technical failure, not combat loss.
India may have suffered a significant setback in its air fleet, as Dassault Aviation’s Chairman and CEO, Éric Trappier, has acknowledged the loss of one Rafale fighter aircraft during a training sortie. Speaking to French media, Trappier clarified that the aircraft went down due to a technical malfunction at a high altitude — specifically above 12,000 meters — and ruled out any involvement of hostile radar or enemy engagement. The incident is still under investigation.
Despite this revelation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian government have yet to release an official statement confirming the loss. The report by the French defense publication Avion De Chasse made it clear that the aircraft was on an extended training mission when the failure occurred.
Clarification on Pakistan’s Claims
The timing of this disclosure has sparked further scrutiny, especially after Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan recently refuted Pakistan’s claims of downing multiple Indian aircraft, including Rafales. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, General Chauhan labeled those assertions as “completely baseless.”
He further confirmed in an interview that Indian jets had entered Pakistani airspace multiple times during Operation Sindoor, executing deep-strike operations without encountering effective resistance.
Chinese Propaganda Allegations Surface
Amid these developments, a new report by the Associated Press reveals a broader campaign allegedly being pushed by China. According to French military and intelligence sources, China has reportedly been instructing its embassies and defense attaches globally to raise questions about the performance of the Rafale jets.
This effort appears aimed at undermining confidence in France’s premier combat aircraft, especially in countries that have already procured the jet or are in the process of doing so. The goal, according to intelligence findings, is to weaken France’s defense export market and promote Chinese alternatives instead.
Final Thoughts
While India awaits an official confirmation, the narrative around the Rafale jets seems to be entering a geopolitical tug-of-war — not only in the skies but across global defense markets. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring operational safety and countering international disinformation.
