Pakistan’s claim falls flat: No damage to India's Rafale fleet, all 36 jets remain operational

NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s claim that an Indian Rafale fighter jet was shot down during the Operation Sindoor encounter is falling flat, with Indian Air Force records showing that all 36 Rafale aircraft purchased from France remain fully operational. Pakistan has repeatedly claimed that it had destroyed an Indian Rafale jet during the operation. However, it has not presented any evidence to support the claim.

The Indian Air Force has submitted a proposal to French aerospace company Safran Aircraft Engines for a “bridge support” package to maintain the operational readiness of the Rafale fleet. The document states that all 36 Rafale aircraft acquired by India are functioning normally. The support package has been sought for technical maintenance and continued serviceability of the aircraft.

According to the latest tender documents, the package is designed to meet the operational requirements of all 36 Rafale jets for the next five months. Each Rafale aircraft is estimated to fly around 150 hours annually. Based on this calculation, the fleet is expected to complete nearly 2,250 flying hours during the five-month bridge period. The details mentioned in the documents have raised further questions over Pakistan’s claim that an Indian Rafale fighter jet was destroyed during the encounter.

Meanwhile, reports have indicated that India has begun initial steps to acquire 114 additional Rafale fighter jets from France. Under the Make in India initiative, a majority of the new aircraft are expected to be manufactured domestically.