Overview
- Captain Jacques Launay, who commands France’s Naval Air Base at Landivisiau, made the remarks to delegates at an Indo-Pacific conference hosted by IHEDN.
- He said the Rafale platform was not at fault and attributed failures to how Indian pilots employed the aircraft and sensors, including radar performance in the battle.
- The engagement occurred on the night of May 6–7, 2025 and lasted about an hour, with Launay crediting Pakistan’s preparation and tactics over India’s in the congested airspace.
- Launay noted Indian interest in a carrier-capable Rafale variant, which he said can be configured to carry nuclear-capable missiles in French service.
- Indian officials have rejected claims that Rafales were shot down, and Dunya News additionally cited prior acknowledgments by President Donald Trump and the U.S. Congress.