An Indian fighter jet’s crash during Dubai Airshow 2025 today has endorsed the viewpoint of the French Commander Captain Jaquis Launay. French commander has raised the issue of lack of capability and planning of Indian military and pilots in skillfully using the modern fighter jets.
Captain Launay disclosed a new factor behind the shooting down of Rafale fighter jets during the India-Pakistan air combat of May 6 and 7, 2025. Captain Jaquis Launay revealed the details during a briefing at France’s Landivisiau Naval Air Base. His remarks revived global debate as India has repeatedly denied losing any Rafale jets during the clash, according to a Geo TV report published today.
Commander Claims Rafales Were Shot Down in Complex Air Environment
Captain Launay oversees 94 naval warships, 10 nuclear submarines, and 190 aircraft, including 40 Rafales. He has flown Rafale jets for 25 years. He told delegates that the loss of Indian Rafales was not due to the technological superiority of Chinese J-10C jets. Instead, he said the combat situation was extremely complex, with more than 140 fighter jets in the air at one time. He noted that Pakistan managed the crowded air environment more effectively than India.
The commander addressed participants of the Indo-Pacific conference hosted by IHEDN and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. He said the French military monitors Rafale performance worldwide to evaluate improvements. He added that Rafale jets from his base recently conducted a successful nuclear missile test.
Indian Delegate Objects, but Commander Defends His Position
An Indian delegate challenged the commander’s claims and termed them Chinese disinformation. Captain Launay ignored the objection and argued that Indian Rafales underperformed because they were not used correctly. He insisted that Rafale jets could defeat J-10C aircraft in any combat scenario when employed properly.
He further revealed that India now seeks Rafale naval variants for use on aircraft carriers. He added that these Rafales can carry nuclear missiles and said the French Navy remains the only force capable of launching nuclear missiles from an aircraft carrier.
French Navy Working on Advanced Rafale Variant
Captain Launay guided delegates through an aircraft hangar and explained the capabilities of Rafale weapons systems. He described Rafale as one of the world’s best fighter jets. He praised the leadership of India and Pakistan for preventing a full-scale war during a highly tense situation. He also stressed that artificial intelligence cannot replace trained fighter pilots in air combat.
He said drones are important in modern warfare, but pilots will continue flying fighter jets until at least 2040. He confirmed that France is developing an advanced Rafale variant called the F-4, which is expected to become the most capable fighter jet in its class.
The final conference session was addressed by Rear Admiral Guillaume Pingent, who oversees France’s Asia-Pacific military operations. Delegates from 32 countries attended the conference, including officials from militaries, police, intelligence agencies and global think tanks.
