A search is underway for an instructor and a trainee from one of the missing aircraft, according to media reports.
Two French fighter jets collided over northeastern France. The incident in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department involved two Rafale aircraft and occurred around midday on Wednesday, Agence France Presse reported, citing civilian and military officials.
Both aircraft are part of the squadron stationed at the Saint-Dizier-Robinson Air Base, the army confirmed. The pilot from one jet was injured in the incident but is alive and conscious.
The second aircraft had an instructor and a trainee on board who are still unaccounted for. All three officers are French citizens, the military emphasized.
Local media report that a search-and-rescue operation is underway in the area. The location has been cordoned off, and fire brigades were dispatched to the scene. Rescue workers have found a significant amount of debris from the incident.
Earlier reports suggested that the missing aircraft might have been Mirage jets instead of Rafales.