Two French pilots have been confirmed dead after their military jets collided mid-flight in eastern France, the nation’s Air Force said in a post on X.
The two Rafale fighter jets were returning from a mission in Germany when they collided near Colombey-les-Belles, close to the city of Nancy, Wednesday’s post said.
A third pilot ejected safely and was quickly found, unharmed, the post said.
In a heartfelt message on social media, French President Emmanuel Macron mourned the loss of Captain Sebastien Mabire and Lieutenant Matthis Laurens, who perished in the accident.
A search operation was launched to locate the missing instructor and student pilot from the second jet, but unfortunately, they were later confirmed dead.
“The nation shares the grief of their families and brothers in arms at Air Base 113 in Saint-Dizier” in eastern France, he added.
