Pilotes de chasse français tués dans une collision en vol
Investigations are currently ongoing by the military and judiciary into a mid-air collision that resulted in the tragic deaths of two Rafale pilots in northeastern France.
The French military reported that two fighter jet pilots lost their lives after their plane collided with another aircraft and crashed in France.
During a training mission, Capt. Sébastien Mabire, an instructor, and Lt. Matthis Laurens, a trainee pilot, were aboard a two-seater Rafale at the time of the collision.
‘Brothers in Arms’
The pilot of the first plane managed to eject and only suffered minor injuries.
With no communication from the crew, a significant search effort was launched to locate them. After several hours, the bodies of the two pilots were discovered in a forest.
Later in the day, the wreckage of the second two-seater Rafale was found in the town of Harmonville (Vosges).
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“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Captain Sébastien Mabire and Lieutenant Matthis Laurens in an air accident during a Rafale training mission,” the statement reads.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and comrades at Air Base 113 in Saint-Dizier.”
Ongoing investigations by military and judicial authorities are focused on determining the cause of the accident.
“I offer my heartfelt condolences and steadfast support to the families of Captain Sébastien Mabire and Lieutenant Matthis Laurens, as well as their friends and fellow service members,” he said. “Tonight, the entire nation is grateful: we will never forget them.”
Rafale
The Rafale is a multirole fighter aircraft with a French origin, designed and manufactured by Dassault Aviation. It has been in service with the French Air Force since 2006.
Other countries such as India, Qatar, Egypt, and Greece also utilize the Rafale in their armed forces.
The aircraft is specialized in maintaining a constant state of readiness known as “Quick Reaction Alert,” which is crucial for air defense, air policing, nuclear deterrence, power projection, deep strike missions, reconnaissance, and pilot training.
