PARIS: In yet another embarrasment for India, after the US, a French Commander has also confirmed that Pakistan shot down Indian Rafale jets on the night of May 6 and 7 and that there is no issue with the jets but with the Indian pilots flying them.
Reports from around the world continue to emerge about India’s defeat in its conflict with Pakistan.
Armed forces across the world closely monitored the aerial clash between Pakistan and India in May. The rare engagement allowed many militaries to assess the performance of pilots, fighter jets, and missile systems.
Speaking to the media, Captain Yves Launay, commander of a naval air base in northwestern France, said the issue was “not with the Rafale aircraft, but with the Indian pilots flying them.”
This base is known for its squadron of over 40 nuclear-capable Rafale fighters. Captain Launay oversees 94 naval warships, 10 nuclear submarines and 190 fighter aircraft.
He has flown Rafale jets for 25 years and has undertaken major missions in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Addressing international reporters, he praised Pakistan’s air capabilities and said the Pakistan Air Force handled the situation “very effectively.” Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Conference, he said the Rafale jets were not downed because of any technological superiority of Chinese aircraft, but due to Pakistan’s strong defence and effective strategy.
He said the battle was highly complex, with more than 140 fighter jets in the air. With so many targets, hitting an aircraft became easier, but Pakistan managed the situation far better than India.
At one point, an Indian delegate tried to interrupt, calling the claims Chinese propaganda, but Captain Launay ignored the objection. When asked why the Rafale’s radar failed during combat, he replied, “The problem was not the machine, but how it was used.”
He added that the Rafale can defeat Chinese jets in any combat situation, but the outcome depends on how it is handled.
He revealed that the Indian government is now interested in purchasing the naval version of the Rafale, which can land on aircraft carriers at sea. These naval Rafales can also carry nuclear missiles, a capability currently exclusive to the French Navy.
The detailed review of the Pakistan-India aerial clash has drawn global attention, as experts believe it offers key lessons for shaping future military strategy. Analysts say it was a rare chance to assess the real-time performance of pilots, fighter jets, and air-to-air missiles in an actual combat environment.
