Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson: Rafale Manufacturer Confirms Downing of Indian Aircraft by Pakistan; Future Aggression Will Be Met Forcefully
Islamabad, February 12, 2026 — Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated during the weekly press briefing that French aerospace company Dassault Aviation (manufacturer of the Rafale fighter jets) has confirmed Pakistan’s claim of shooting down Indian Rafale aircraft during the brief May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict.Andrabi described the matter as “part of history,” asserting that…
Islamabad, February 12, 2026 — Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated during the weekly press briefing that French aerospace company Dassault Aviation (manufacturer of the Rafale fighter jets) has confirmed Pakistan’s claim of shooting down Indian Rafale aircraft during the brief May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict.
Andrabi described the matter as “part of history,” asserting that international reports, evidence, and corroboration from the aircraft manufacturers support Pakistan’s position. He emphasized that the Pakistan Air Force successfully deterred Indian aggression using conventional means and warned: “Any future Indian aggression would be dealt forthrightly and forcefully with all our resources.”
The remarks came in response to recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump referencing aircraft losses during the 90-hour conflict in May 2025. Andrabi praised the U.S. role in de-escalation while reiterating Pakistan’s narrative.
The May 2025 clashes followed Indian missile strikes inside Pakistan amid Kashmir tensions, with Pakistan claiming to have downed five Indian jets—including three Rafales. India acknowledged some aircraft losses but disputed the numbers and circumstances. French and U.S. sources indicated at least one Rafale loss, while Dassault’s CEO previously dismissed Pakistan’s claims of multiple combat shootdowns as inaccurate, suggesting any incident may have been due to technical failure rather than enemy action.
The issue remains a point of contention between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
