Two French Air Force Rafale fighter jets have crashed near the border between the Vosges and Meurthe-et-Moselle regions in eastern France. The jets were assigned to the Rafale Transition Squadron 3/4 Aquitaine, stationed at BA 113 Saint-Dizier – Robinson Air Base. The squadron specialises in training pilots to operate the Rafale, one of the most advanced multirole fighter aircraft, capable of performing various missions including air defence, ground attack, and reconnaissance.
Un accident de deux Rafale de l’Escadron de Transformation Rafale 3/4 « Aquitaine » a eu lieu en Meurthe et Moselle.
— Sébastien Lecornu (@SebLecornu) August 14, 2024
Un des pilotes a été retrouvé, il est sain et sauf. Les recherches sont toujours en cours. Merci à nos forces armées ainsi qu’aux gendarmes mobilisés dans les…
In response to the incident, the Meurthe-et-Moselle prefecture quickly activated the departmental operational centre and initiated the SATER (air-land rescue) plan. This emergency protocol is designed to support military and civilian agencies in coordinating search and rescue operations in response to aviation accidents.
Initial reports indicate that one of the jets involved was a twin-seat Rafale B with two pilots on board, while the other was a single-seat Rafale C. The pilot of the Rafale C has been located and is reportedly safe and unharmed. However, the status of the two pilots from the Rafale B remains unknown, and search efforts continue. The root cause of the accident suggests that the crash may have occurred due to a mid-air collision between the two aircraft.
The Escadron de Transformation Rafale 3/4 Aquitaine plays a crucial role in the French Air Force, responsible for transitioning pilots from other aircraft types to the Rafale platform. This process involves initial and advanced training, ensuring that pilots are fully prepared to operate the Rafale in various mission profiles. The squadron’s role is vital for maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of the French Air Force, particularly in light of the Rafale’s strategic importance as a cornerstone of France’s air defence and strike capabilities.
