According to the French Navy, the statements attributed to “Captain Jacquis Launay” were entirely fabricated. File.
| Photo Credit: ANI
The French Navy has issued a strong rebuttal of Pakistan-based Geo TV’s “misinformation and disinformation” concerning Operation Sindoor. French official statements described claims by the channel as “fabricated.”
The clarification came after Geo published an article on November 21 alleging that a French naval officer had confirmed Pakistan’s air superiority and claimed that Indian Rafale jets had been shot down during recent border skirmishes.
According to the French Navy, the statements attributed to “Captain Jacquis Launay” were entirely fabricated. The officer’s correct name is Captain Yvan Launay, and he “never consented to any form of publication,” the Navy said.
No role in Indian missions
The Navy noted that contrary to Geo TV’s assertions, Captain Launay’s responsibilities are limited to commanding the French Navy’s naval air station where Rafale Marine aircraft are based. He does not hold any authority or operational insight into India-related missions.
During a professional briefing, Captain Launay presented details about the assets at his base, the Rafale fighter jet’s capabilities, and the French carrier strike group concept. When questioned about Operation Sindoor, he neither confirmed nor denied whether Indian aircraft had been shot down — contradicting Geo TV’s claim that he had affirmed such losses.
The French Navy also clarified that Launay refused to comment on questions regarding possible Chinese jamming of Indian Rafale jets, another claim incorrectly attributed to him.
The French clarification stated that Captain Launay expressed his point of view as a fighter pilot on the cognitive overload that pilots can face in aerial combat due to the large amount of information coming into the cockpit, which can lead to a decrease in situational awareness, regardless of the number of aircraft.
Published – November 23, 2025 10:27 pm IST
