ISLAMABAD: A French naval commander has disclosed critical insights intothe hour-long air battle between India and Pakistan on the night of May6-7, 2025, confirming the downing of Indian Rafale fighter jets. Whiletalking to Geo News Anchor Hamid Mir Captain Jaquis Launay, overseeingoperations at the Landivisiau Naval Air Base, attributed the losses not tosuperior Chinese technology but to superior Pakistani preparation andtactical execution. This revelation, shared during a recent briefing,underscores a rare real-world test of modern fighter capabilities.
The engagement, part of India’s Operation Sindoor launched in retaliationfor a Kashmir attack, saw over 100 aircraft from both sides clash withoutborder crossings, relying on long-range missiles. Pakistan’s Air Forceclaimed five Indian jets downed, including three Rafales, using J-10Cfighters armed with PL-15 missiles. French intelligence and US officialscorroborated at least one Rafale loss, marking the aircraft’s first combatdefeat despite its advanced radar and weaponry.
Captain Launay, with 25 years piloting Rafales and recent involvement innuclear tests, emphasized that radar systems functioned optimally on theIndian jets. However, he highlighted an Indian intelligence miscalculationon PL-15 ranges—believed at 150 km but extended to 200 km—leaving pilotsexposed. Pakistani forces, better coordinated amid the chaos of massedformations, capitalized on this, achieving air supremacy without reportedlosses.
Global militaries have scrutinized the skirmish for lessons in pilottraining, missile efficacy, and electronic warfare. India’s denialpersists, but confirmations from French, US, and now detailed Frenchanalyses mount, fueling debates on procurement. Indonesia reportedlyshelved Rafale plans post-incident, while China touted its J-35alternatives via disinformation campaigns involving AI-generated debrisimages.
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This episode humiliates India’s defense posture, revealing tacticaloverreliance on hardware amid regional rivalries. As tensions simmer, itprompts reevaluations of air doctrines worldwide, with Pakistan emergingtactically vindicated.
Source:www.geo.tv/latest/634707-french-commander-reveals-secret-behind-air-combat-victory-of-pakistan-over-india-in-may-2025″>https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/how-pakistan-shot-down-indias-cutting-edge-fighter-using-chinese-gear-2025-08-02/”>https://www.geo.tv/latest/634707-french-commander-reveals-secret-behind-air-combat-victory-of-pakistan-over-india-in-may-2025Source:www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/how-pakistan-shot-down-indias-cutting-edge-fighter-using-chinese-gear-2025-08-02/”>https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/how-pakistan-shot-down-indias-cutting-edge-fighter-using-chinese-gear-2025-08-02/