The Economic Times

Did Pakistan really down India's Rafale fighter jets during Operation Sindoor? Latest IAF tender reveals the truth

The Indian Air Force has issued a tender seeking a five-month bridge support package for all 36 Rafale fighter jets acquired from France, ahead of the expiry of the current maintenance arrangement in September 2026. The move counters Pakistan's claims that several Rafale aircraft were lost during Operation Sindoor, as the proposal covers the entire fleet's operational and maintenance requirements.