Article Posted on : - Nov 29, 2010

An unrelated photo of a French Rafale

PARIS (AP): France's Defense Ministry says a French Rafale fighter jet has crashed into the waters off Pakistan after its pilot parachuted to safety.

The Rafale was operating from the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which is stationed in the Arabian Sea to support the fight in Afghanistan.

The cause of Sunday’s crash was unclear and an investigation has been opened. The ministry said the Rafale plunged into waters near where the aircraft carrier is stationed, more than 100 kilometres (60 miles) off the coast of Pakistan in the Arabian Sea.

The pilot was unharmed and was picked up by helicopter.

France has about 3,850 troops engaged in missions in and around Afghanistan.