Two air force pilots, who were missing after the mid-air collision of two multi-role Rafale fighter jets in eastern France yesterday, Wednesday, have been found dead, French President Emmanuel Macron announced late last night via X (formerly Twitter).

“We learn with sadness of the death of Captain Sébastien Mabire and Lieutenant Matisse Laurence in an air accident during a training flight with Rafale,” the French head of state said.

Intensive searches were conducted following the collision of the two fighter jets in the Colombey-les-Belles area (Lorraine). A third pilot, at the controls of the other aircraft, was able to use his ejection seat and is safe.