RAF and UK Armed Forces pay tribute to French air force pilots killed in mid-air collision

The Royal Air Force has sent tributes to the two French military jet pilots who died in a mid-air collision.

The French government named Captain Sébastien Mabire and Lieutenant Matthis Laurens as the two pilots killed in the incident, which happened near the town of Colombey-les-Belles in the Vosges region. 

The RAF joined the Chief of Staff of the French armed forces and the French Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Force in sending its condolences.

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UK Defence in France said: "The British Defence Section Paris, the British Embassy, the RAF and all UK military offer our heartfelt condolences to the French Air and Space Force family at this tragic time."

Capt Mabire and Lt Laurens died while on active duty in the incident which involved two Rafale fighter jets.

The two aircraft from Air Base 113 in Saint-Dizier (Haute-Marne) collided while returning from a resupply mission in Germany.

The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Thierry Burkhard, said: "Deep sadness at the announcement of the tragic disappearance of Captain Sébastien Mabire and Lieutenant Matthis Laurens.

"I extend my deepest condolences to their families, loved ones and brothers in arms. This tragedy reminds us of the value of the absolute commitment of any soldier who devotes his life to France."

Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Force General Stéphane Mille said: "On behalf of the airmen and women, I express my deepest emotion and my most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of Captain Sébastien Mabire and Lieutenant Matthis Laurens, who died in active air service."