'Disinformation debunked': IAF tender for full Rafale fleet exposes Pakistan's claims of Op Sindoor 'losses'
New Delhi, June 23
Pakistan's oft-repeated claim that India lost several Rafale fighters during Operation Sindoor has now been squarely contradicted by the Indian Air Force itself.
A newly issued Request for Proposal (RFP) in June makes clear that all 36 Rafales acquired under the 2016 agreement with France remain in active service. The tender seeks short-term maintenance and logistical support for the entire fleet, covering a five-month period and projecting roughly 2,250 flying hours to ensure uninterrupted operations until a longer contract is sealed later this year.
The inclusion of every aircraft in the proposal leaves little room for speculation; had any jets been destroyed in combat, the numbers would have reflected that loss.
Defence officials underline that this comprehensive coverage is proof that no Rafale was downed during India's retaliatory strikes following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Pakistan had attempted to bolster its narrative through official pronouncements and designed social media campaigns, insisting that its forces had shot down multiple Rafales. Yet India has consistently dismissed these stories as deliberate disinformation.
In fact, several aircraft that Pakistani accounts had triumphantly declared "destroyed" were subsequently seen flying operational sorties, further eroding the credibility of those claims.
The Rafale squadron was central to Operation Sindoor, executing precision strikes deep inside Pakistani territory and performing exactly as intended, according to defence sources.
The latest procurement move not only underscores the fleet's intact strength but also coincides with India's broader ambitions under the Multi Role Fighter Aircraft programme, which envisions the acquisition of 114 additional Rafales. Discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have already highlighted the importance of co-development and "Make in India" principles in this expansion.
Taken together, the fresh RFP and ongoing negotiations deliver a decisive rebuttal to Pakistan's assertions, reaffirming both the operational readiness and the full complement of India's Rafale force.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's interesting how claims of "multiple Rafales shot down" are now being debunked by a simple procurement document. The psychological warfare game is strong, but evidence always wins. Good to see Modi and Macron pushing for co-production of 114 more Rafales—this is a win for India's self-reliance too.
Honestly, this is just another chapter in the same old story. Our forces are tough, and every time someone makes wild claims, they get shut down with facts. But I wish the media would focus more on how these operations impact civilians on both sides. Not everything is about jingoism. Still, good to see the truth coming out.
The denial is strong with the other side! 😂 They said Rafales were destroyed, but here's the proof—every single one is flying and striking targets with precision. IAF deserves a salute for keeping the truth intact. Now let's get those 114 more Rafales and take our air dominance to the next level. Jai Hind!
Great to see facts trump fiction. But let's also use this moment to reflect on the human cost of these exchanges. While we celebrate our military's might, let's not forget the soldiers who make the ultimate sacrifice and the families affected on both sides. That said, the IAF's transparency is commendable.
As a defence enthusiast, I've been following this closely. The fact that the IAF is so open about their procurement—even showing exact flying hours—is
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