A devastating mid-air collision between two French Rafale jet fighters has left two pilots missing, sparking a massive search operation in northeastern France.
The incident occurred over Colombey-les-Belles, with one pilot ejecting safely, but an instructor and student pilot on the second jet remain unaccounted for.
According to an Air Force spokesman in Paris, the two supersonic jets were from the Saint-Dizier air base.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu took to social media to confirm the safe ejection of one pilot and ongoing search efforts, expressing gratitude to armed forces and police involved in the operation.
The cause of the collision, which occurred at 12:30 pm, remains unknown. Local authorities have revealed that military authorities will report on the causes of the accident. Eyewitnesses described a “strange noise, a percussive sound” unlike a typical sonic boom.
The Rafale “multi-role” fighter, used for various military operations, including nuclear warhead deployment, has become a bestseller for the French arms industry.
This incident marks the first crash of a Rafale jet, with a previous incident occurring in September 2009, resulting in one pilot’s death.
France has sold the Rafale to several countries, with over 230 orders since its introduction. The French military has ordered 42 new Rafale fighter jets, with delivery expected in 2027.
Following the incident, French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized the need for increased defense production and innovation to support Ukraine amidst Russia’s ongoing invasion.
