PARIS, France: Two French pilots tragically lost their lives on Wednesday after their Rafale jets collided mid-air during a training mission over northeastern France. The incident, which involved the cutting-edge military aircraft, marks a rare and somber event for the French Air Force.
President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the deaths of Captain Sebastien Mabire and Lieutenant Matthis Laurens, expressing the nation’s grief and solidarity with their families and fellow servicemen at Air Base 113 in Saint-Dizier.
The collision occurred near the town of Colombey-les-Belles, prompting an immediate search operation for the missing pilots. While one pilot from the first jet safely ejected and was found unharmed, the other two pilots aboard the second jet could not be saved.
The exact cause of the collision remains unclear, and military authorities are investigating the incident. Such accidents involving Rafale jets are exceedingly rare, given the aircraft’s advanced design and capabilities. The Rafale is a versatile, multi-role fighter jet that has become a cornerstone of France’s defence industry and a significant export to nations like Egypt, India, and Greece.
This accident comes as France continues to expand its fleet, with 42 new Rafale jets ordered for delivery starting in 2027. The tragedy also underscores the ongoing demands on France’s military as Europe seeks to strengthen its defence posture amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
