A French Dassault Rafale "downed" a U.S. F-35 in a simulated close-range dogfight during the Atlantic Trident 25 exercises, sparking online debate about the jets' capabilities.
Analysts pointed out that the F-35's main advantage is its stealth and ability to engage targets beyond visual range, making a close-range simulated victory less representative of modern aerial combat.
France is using this event to promote the Rafale, a largely French-produced fighter, as a European alternative to the U.S.-made F-35 to reduce Europe's reliance on American military platforms.
A French Dassault Rafale “downed” an F-35 in a recent simulated dogfight, stoking debate online about how the two fighter jets stack up.
Footage shared by the French Air and Space Force on X shows a Rafale pilot locking in on an F-35, followed by an audio command instructing the pilot to “take the shot,” indicating a simulated missile firing.
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Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
