(FILES) A picture taken aboard Charles De Gaulle aircraft carrier shows French Rafale fighter on November 26, 2009 at the Mediterranean Sea. French navy plane Rafale F3, taking part in a NATO mission over Afghanistan crashed in the sea off Pakistan after taking off from Charles De Gaulle aircraft carrier on November 28, 2010. Pilot is safe after having been rescued. – Photo by AFP

PARIS: France’s defence ministry says a French Rafale fighter jet has crashed into the waters off Pakistan after its pilot parachuted to safety.

The Rafale was operating from the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which is stationed in the Arabian Sea to support the fight in Afghanistan.

The cause of Sunday’s crash was unclear and an investigation has been opened. The ministry said the Rafale plunged into waters near where the aircraft carrier is stationed, more than 100km off the coast of Pakistan in the Arabian Sea.

The pilot was unharmed and was picked up by helicopter.

France has about 3,850 troops engaged in missions in and around Afghanistan.—AP

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram ‘roadmap’
Updated 25 Dec, 2024

Kurram ‘roadmap’

The state must provide ironclad guarantees that the local population will be protected from all forms of terrorism.
Snooping state
25 Dec, 2024

Snooping state

THE state’s attempts to pry into citizens’ internet activities continue apace. The latest in this regard is a...
A welcome first step
25 Dec, 2024

A welcome first step

THE commencement of a dialogue between the PTI and the coalition parties occupying the treasury benches in ...
High troop losses
Updated 24 Dec, 2024

High troop losses

Continuing terror attacks show that our counterterrorism measures need a revamp. Localised IBOs appear to be a sound and available option.
Energy conundrum
24 Dec, 2024

Energy conundrum

THE onset of cold weather in the country has brought with it a familiar woe: a severe shortage of piped gas for...
Positive cricket change
24 Dec, 2024

Positive cricket change

HEADING into their Champions Trophy title defence, Pakistan are hitting the right notes. Mohammad Rizwan’s charges...