India’s Rafale Fleet Remains Fully Operational, Official Document Counters Pakistan’s Claims
Indian Air Force document shows all 36 Rafale jets remain operational, challenging Pakistan’s claims of destroying fighter aircraft during Operation Sindoor.
An official document from the Indian Air Force has reportedly exposed Pakistan’s claims of destroying multiple Indian Rafale fighter jets during ‘Operation Sindoor’, stating that all 36 Rafale aircraft in India’s fleet remain safe and operational.
The document, issued by the Indian Air Force headquarters in June, has emerged as a major setback to Pakistan’s claims. The official proposal seeks bids for a five-month ‘Bridge Support Package’ for the Rafale fleet, including maintenance, logistics, and technical assistance for all 36 aircraft.
According to the document, the Indian Air Force has requested support for the complete Rafale fleet, clearly indicating that all aircraft are active and require regular maintenance and operational assistance. The proposal also includes an estimated 2,250 flying hours beyond September 2026, ensuring uninterrupted availability of the fighter jets until a long-term support agreement is finalised.
India had acquired 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from French company Dassault Aviation under an inter-governmental agreement signed in 2016. The jets form a crucial part of the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities.
Following Operation Sindoor, launched by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan had claimed through official channels and social media platforms that its forces had shot down several Indian Rafale fighter jets. India had rejected these claims at the time, calling them misinformation and propaganda.
Military experts have pointed out that if any Rafale aircraft had actually been destroyed during the operation, the number of aircraft mentioned in the maintenance and support proposal would have been lower. The inclusion of all 36 Rafale jets in the official document indicates that the entire fleet remains intact.
The latest development has intensified questions over Pakistan’s claims and is being viewed as evidence supporting India’s position regarding the operational status of its Rafale fleet.
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