Stocks of French fighter Rafale jets drop after Pakistan shoots so many down

Context

• India’s Rafale Jets: India bought 36 Dassault Rafale fighter jets from France in a multi-billion dollar deal (signed in 2016, deliveries completed by 2022).

• These jets are considered state-of-the-art and were meant to give India an edge over Pakistan’s air force.

🎯 Reports of Shootdown

• In the latest escalation (after the Pahalgam attack and India’s cross-border strikes), Pakistani Air Force (PAF)claimed they shot down two Indian fighter jets — at least one of which was a Rafale.

• If confirmed, this is significant:

  • It would mark the first Rafale shot down in combat globally.

  • It would be a propaganda win for Pakistan, showing they can counter India’s most advanced Western jet.

🚀 How Could Pakistan Shoot It Down?

• JF-17 Thunder: Pakistan’s main combat aircraft, jointly developed with China. Upgraded variants (Block III) carry PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles, which are competitive.

• Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs): Pakistan also fields Chinese HQ-9 and older Western systems which could target Indian jets inside contested airspace.

• Possible Chinese Backing: Some analysts suggest China may have provided electronic warfare support or advanced missiles.

🔥 Why This Is Symbolic

• France’s Reputation: A Rafale loss undermines Dassault’s marketing that these jets are superior in contested zones like Kashmir.

• India’s Narrative: New Delhi has hyped the Rafales as game-changers since 2019; losing one is both a military and political embarrassment.

• Pakistan’s Propaganda: Shooting down a Rafale boosts morale and international image — especially after earlier losses in 2019 when its U.S.-made F-16s were under scrutiny.

🌐 International Implications

• France: Likely to downplay the shootdown to protect future defense contracts (they’re trying to sell Rafales to other countries like Indonesia and Saudi Arabia).

• China: Gains soft-power points if Pakistan’s Chinese-armed fighters took down Western jets.

• Global Arms Market: This reshapes perceptions of what works in real war, not just in sales brochures.