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Fighter jets collide over France Fighter jets collide over France
(about 11 hours later)
Search is underway for an instructor and a trainee from one of the lost aircraft, media has reported Two French pilots died after their Rafale jets crashed during a “training mission”
Two French fighter jets have collided over the northeastern part of the country. The incident in Meurthe-et-Moselle department involved two Rafale aircraft and occurred around midday on Wednesday, Agence France Presse reported, citing civilian and military officials. Two French fighter jets collided mid-air over northeastern France. The incident in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department involved two Rafale aircraft and occurred around midday on Wednesday.
Both aircraft belong to the squadron stationed at the Saint-Dizier-Robinson Air Base, the army has told the press. The pilot from one jet was injured in the incident and is alive and conscious. Both aircraft belong to the squadron stationed at the Saint-Dizier-Robinson Air Base, the army has told the press, stressing that all three officers are French nationals and not foreigners. 
The second aircraft had an instructor and a trainee aboard, who remain unaccounted for. All three officers are French nationals and not foreigners, the military stressed. The pilot of one jet was injured in the incident but is alive and conscious after safely ejecting.
Local media say a search-and-rescue operation is underway in the area. The location was cordoned off, while fire brigades were dispatched to the scene. Rescue workers said they have discovered plenty of debris from the incident. The second aircraft had an instructor and a trainee aboard. Authorities launched a search-and-rescue operation; the location was cordoned off, and fire brigades were dispatched to the scene. Rescue workers discovered extensive debris from the incident, and later on Wednesday, President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that both missing airmen were dead.
Earlier reports suggested that the lost aircraft may have been Mirage jets rather than Rafales. ”We learn with sadness of the deaths of Captain Sebastien Mabire and Lieutenant Matthis Laurens in an air accident during a Rafale training mission,” Macron posted on X, formerly Twitter. “The nation shares the grief of their families and brothers in arms.”
French authorities said it was not immediately clear what caused the collision. The military is expected to investigate and report on the incident. Earlier reports suggested that the lost aircraft might have been Mirage jets rather than Rafales.