French Jet Maker Dassault Suffers 6% Loss After Pakistan Downs Three India’s Rafale Jet

Shares of French defense manufacturer Dassault Aviation suffered 6% loss on Tuesday, following Pakistan’s announcement that its air force had shot down five Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft.

According to Pakistani defense sources, the aircraft brought down included three Rafales, one MiG-29, one Su-30, and a surveillance drone. These jets had attempted to launch stand-off missile strikes on Pakistani targets while staying within Indian airspace. However, the Pakistan Air Force tracked and engaged them effectively, neutralizing the threat in a swift response.

Despite India’s significant investments in the Rafale platform through multi-billion-dollar defense deals, the results in this confrontation proved disappointing. Not only did the Rafales fail to deliver, but the episode also marked a diplomatic and strategic setback for New Delhi.

Pakistan’s rapid and precise countermeasures not only dismantled the perception of the Rafale as a superior fighter jet but also triggered a negative response from global markets. Dassault Aviation’s stock value took a hit, mirroring the fate of the downed jets.

In typical fashion, Indian media outlets quickly claimed that Pakistani aircraft had been shot down, but Pakistani defense officials refuted these reports, calling them “false and misleading.” A spokesperson stated, “None of our aircraft were lost. These claims are a distraction to cover up the loss of the Rafales and to manage public sentiment in India.”

The spokesperson further emphasized that all Pakistani aircraft returned safely after intercepting the Indian strike group. Following the destruction of the Rafale jets, reports of Dassault Aviation’s stock plunge have circulated widely, underscoring the broader implications of the incident.

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