Two French pilots missing as Rafale jets collide mid-air

Two French Rafale jets collided in midair Wednesday in a rare accident involving the cutting-edge military aircraft and authorities launched a desperate search for two crew.

One pilot ejected following the crash over northeastern France, but an instructor and a student pilot on the second jet were missing.

The two supersonic jets were from the Saint-Dizier air base, an air force spokesman in Paris told AFP.

“One of the pilots was found safe and sound,” Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on the X social media platform.

“The search is still underway” after the crash, he added, thanking armed forces and police involved in the operation.

It was not immediately clear what caused the collision that authorities said occurred over Colombey-les-Belles, a town in northeastern France.

“The military authorities will report on the causes of the accident,” said the local prefecture.

The Rafale “multi-role” fighter – used to hunt enemy planes, strike ground and sea targets, carry out reconnaissance and even carry France’s nuclear warheads – has become a bestseller for the French arms industry.

Accidents involving Rafale jets are rare.