French Naval Commander Confirms Indian Rafales Were Downed in May 2025 Clash, Credits Pakistan’s Superior Air Combat Strategy
A senior commander of the French Navy has confirmed that **Indian Rafale fighter jets were shot down** during the **Pakistan–India aerial confrontation** in May 2025, stating that the incident was a result of Pakistan’s **superior combat strategy**, not Chinese J-10C technical dominance.
Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Conference hosted by France’s Institute for Higher National Defence Studies (IHEDN) and the French Foreign Ministry, **Captain Yauc Lonné**, commander of the Landivisiau Naval Air Base, told delegates that Pakistan managed the high-risk situation “far more effectively” than India during the intense aerial escalation on the night of **May 6–7**.
### **“A Very Complex Air Battle”**
According to Captain Lonné, more than **140 fighter aircraft** were airborne from both sides that night, making engagements easier and increasing the likelihood of miscalculations. Despite the chaotic environment, he said, **Pakistan responded in a more organized and tactical manner**, enabling it to gain the advantage.
Addressing 55 delegates from 32 countries, he noted:
*“It was an extremely complex situation, but Pakistan handled the air battle in a far more structured way.”*
### **Not a Rafale Technical Failure — A Tactical Misuse**
When questioned about alleged Rafale radar issues, the French commander **rejected claims of technical failure**, stating the problem was operational, not mechanical.
*“There was nothing wrong with the Rafale. The problem was that it was not used correctly,”* he said, adding that the aircraft is fully capable of countering and defeating a J-10C in any combat environment.
### **India Calls It Propaganda — French Commander Stands Firm**
An Indian delegate attempted to dismiss reports of Rafales being shot down as “Chinese propaganda,” but Captain Lonné ignored the objection and continued with his technical analysis.
Captain Lonné has **25 years of Rafale flying experience** and commands a base with over 40 nuclear-capable Rafales, 94 warships, 10 nuclear submarines, and 190+ aircraft. He has participated in multiple operations across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, including recent nuclear missile tests.
### **Global Militaries Studying the 2025 Dogfight**
The May 2025 Pakistan–India aerial clash is being extensively studied by militaries worldwide as a rare real-world example of modern fighter jets and air-to-air missiles used in active combat.
Although **India still denies** that its aircraft were downed, confirmations and indicators from various international sources have continued to surface.
### **India Wants Rafale Marine Variant**
Captain Lonné also revealed that India is now interested in purchasing the **naval version of the Rafale**, capable of aircraft-carrier landings and nuclear missile delivery. Indian pilots are expected to begin training at the same French base where the recent nuclear missile test was conducted.
### **Rafale Still Among World’s Top Fighters**
The commander reaffirmed that Rafale remains one of the most advanced fighters in the world, with its latest **F4 variant** in development. He also praised both Pakistan and India for avoiding escalation into a full-scale war.
A key highlight of the conference was that India sent **multiple delegates**, while Pakistan was represented by **only one senior journalist**, despite the May 2025 dogfight being the central topic of discussion.
