One pilot parachuted safely after the crash, but authorities had to organize an urgent search for the other two people, including an instructor and a student on the second plane.

President Macron shared on X (formerly Twitter): "We are saddened by the passing of Captain Sebastien Mabire and Lieutenant Matthis Laurens during a training mission with Rafale aircraft."

French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the cause of the accident was still unclear and was awaiting a report from military authorities.

A strange explosion was heard around noon in Colombey-les-Belles, a town in northeastern France, unlike the usual sound when a plane exceeds the speed of sound, according to the town's deputy mayor.

Accidents involving Rafale aircraft are rare, but there have been a few in the past. The Rafale is a multi-role fighter jet, used for a variety of purposes, from hunting enemy aircraft, attacking targets on the ground and at sea, to carrying nuclear warheads.

France has sold Rafale to many countries such as Egypt, India, Greece, Indonesia, Croatia, Qatar and UAE, and continues to order new aircraft to enhance its defense capabilities.

Hong Hanh (according to AFP)