India's costly skies: Loss of a prized Rafale to Pakistan
The nighttime attack by India on Pakistan from 6th to 7th May 2025 resulted in the loss of at least one Rafale aircraft. This is a particularly painful loss, given that only 36 of these aircraft are in service.
Several photos have already surfaced online showing elements that could belong to a Rafale aircraft, such as engine parts. However, the appearance of a vertical stabiliser with the aircraft's number, along with a statement from a senior French intelligence official to CNN, dispels any doubts. This would be the second aircraft lost by the Indian Air Force, with the first likely being a Mirage 2000.
It appears that India lost the aircraft numbered BS-001, which was the first one received from France. This marks a significant setback for the Indian Air Force, which is still undergoing a gradual process of replacing its outdated fleet with new machines.
Rafale — one of the best machines in the Indian Air Force
Currently, India has 36 Rafale aircraft, with 26 units of the naval version Rafale M set to join the fleet between 2028 and 2030. They represent the main strength of the Indian Air Force following the Su-30MKI, which is equipped with Western avionics.
Rafale aircraft first flew in the 1990s and entered service in 2001. Interestingly, the initial versions were the naval M variant, and only later did the land-based C and B variants (single and two-seater) enter service. India became the second operator of these aircraft long before the recent export boom.
Rafale — multirole platform with enormous capabilities
The Rafale is renowned for its excellent manoeuvrability and extensive sensor suite, including a passive IRST system and a modern radar with active electronically scanned array (AESA), paired with advanced warning and electronic warfare systems. Unfortunately, it remains unclear how Pakistanis captured the first Indian Rafale.
Furthermore, the Rafale can carry over 9,100 kilogrammes of armament on 13 or 14 pylons, depending on whether it is the naval or land version. Available options include long-range air-to-air Meteor missiles, short/medium-range air-to-air MICA missiles (guided by RF radar or IIR heat source), AM 39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles, guided bombs AASM Hammer, and even ASMP-A missiles with thermonuclear warheads (these are available exclusively for France).
This impressive arsenal significantly enhances the combat capabilities of the Rafale aircraft, even though it is not constructed with stealth technology. Consequently, combined with France's relatively liberal arms export policy, which is less restrictive than that of the US, the Rafale has become an attractive choice in the international market. Many countries worldwide are keen to maintain independence from American influences while possessing equipment that surpasses Russian alternatives.
