In a rare and tragic incident involving France’s advanced military aircraft, two French pilots lost their lives when their Rafale jets collided mid-air during a training mission. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the deaths, expressing deep condolences to the families and comrades of the deceased pilots.
The accident occurred on Wednesday over Colombey-les-Belles, a town in northeastern France. The supersonic Rafale jets, known for their versatility and cutting-edge technology, were on a training mission when the collision happened. One pilot managed to eject safely, but authorities launched an urgent search for an instructor and a student pilot on the second jet.
“We learn with sadness the death of Capt Sebastien Mabire and Lt Matthis Laurens in an air accident during a Rafale training mission,” Macron posted on social media platform X. “The nation shares the grief of their families and brothers in arms at airbase 113 in Saint-Dizier,” he added.
Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu also took to X to announce, “One of the pilots was found safe and sound,” without disclosing further details about the rescue. The cause of the collision remains unclear, and the local prefecture stated that “the military authorities will report on the causes of the accident.”
The Rafale jet, a multi-role fighter capable of hunting enemy planes, striking ground and sea targets, conducting reconnaissance, and even carrying France’s nuclear warheads, has been a significant asset to the French military and a bestseller for the French arms industry. Despite its extensive use, accidents involving Rafale jets are infrequent.
Eyewitness accounts from Colombey-les-Belles provided a glimpse into the incident. Patrice Bonneaux, the deputy mayor, reported hearing an unusual noise around 12:30 PM (10:30 GMT). “It was a strange noise, a percussive sound,” he said, differentiating it from the typical sonic boom of a fighter jet breaking the sound barrier.
“I assumed that two planes had collided, but we didn’t believe it,” Bonneaux added, noting that a road bordering a nearby forest had been cordoned off.
Historically, Rafale jets have had a commendable safety record. The first recorded crash occurred in December 2007 near Neuvic in southwestern France, attributed to pilot disorientation. Another incident in September 2009 involved two Rafale aircraft that went down off the coast of Perpignan after a test flight, resulting in the death of one pilot.
The Rafale’s reputation extends beyond France, with exports to countries including Egypt, India, Greece, Indonesia, Croatia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
In January, Lecornu announced that France had ordered 42 new Rafale fighter jets, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. The French military has now ordered over 230 Rafales since the jet’s inception.
President Macron has called on defense manufacturers to accelerate production and innovation to bolster Europe’s arms supplies, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now in its third year.
This tragic accident underscores the inherent risks faced by military personnel during even routine training missions, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and advancements in aviation safety.
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