Air Force Issues Support Contract For 36 Rafale
Busts Pakistan propoganda that India lost several of them during Operation Sindoor I
New Delhi: An Indian Air Force contract issued for the maintenance of “36 Rafale fighter jets” has once again busted Pakistan propoganda that India lost Rafale aircraft during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The contract issued for all 36 Rafale jets, acquired from France under the 2016 agreement, showed that all the aircraft were operational.
Air Headquarters has reportedly issued requests for proposal (RFPs) to French manufacturers Dassault Aviation and Safran Aircraft Engines seeking a five-month “bridge support” package for maintenance, consumables, spares and technical support for the entire Rafale fleet beyond September 18, 2026.
The is a short term arrangement till longer-term contract is signed.
"The proposal should cater for the operation of 36 Rafale aircraft at a rate of 150 flying hours per aircraft per year. The total flying hours for proposal accordingly would works out to 2,250 flying hours (36 aircraft x 12.5 flying hours/month x 5 months)," said the RFP issued this month.
