Two French Rafale fighter jets collided in mid-air on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, in northeastern France. The in-flight incident occurred near the town of Colombey-les-Belles.
While one pilot managed to eject safely, the fate of the other two crew members – an instructor and a student pilot – remains unknown. A comprehensive search and rescue operation is currently underway to locate the missing personnel.
Rafale Jets from Saint-Dizier Air Base
The two aircraft involved were from the Saint-Dizier air base. Saint-Dizier – Robinson Air Base is a prominent French Air and Space Force base located approximately 4 kilometers west of Saint-Dizier.
The base holds a significant position in the French military, primarily as a home to the Rafale fighter jet.
Search Efforts Ongoing
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and confirmed the ongoing search efforts for the two missing crew members.
In a statement posted on X, he confirmed the accident. “An accident involving two Rafales from the Rafale 3/4 “Aquitaine” Transformation Squadron took place in Meurthe et Moselle.”
“One of the pilots has been found, he is safe and sound. The search is still ongoing. Thanks to our armed forces as well as to the gendarmes mobilized in the search and to secure the area.”
The Dassault Rafale is a twin-engine, multirole fighter aircraft renowned for its versatility and advanced technology. Designed and built by Dassault Aviation, it has become a cornerstone of the French Air Force and Navy.
The Rafale can perform a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground support, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence. Its unique canard delta wing configuration provides exceptional maneuverability, making it a formidable opponent in aerial combat.
An official investigation by French authorities to ascertain the cause of the collision is expected to commence shortly.
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