IAF Debunks Pakistan's Lies: Tender Issued for All 36 Rafale Jets Maintenance

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has effectively silenced the propaganda machinery of Pakistan by releasing a crucial document that confirms the operational status of its entire fleet of Rafale fighter jets. In a significant move that exposes the fabrications spread by the neighboring country, the IAF has issued a formal tender for the comprehensive maintenance, technical support, and logistics requirements of all 36 Rafale aircraft currently in its inventory. This development serves as a definitive rebuttal to the claims made by Pakistan regarding the alleged loss of Indian fighter jets during recent military engagements. The document proves that every single one of the 36 jets remains fully operational and safe within the Indian fleet.

The Request for Proposal and Technical Support

According to the official documents, the Air Force Headquarters' Directorate of Engineering (Rafale) initiated a Request for Proposal (RFP) on June 15, 2026. This proposal was directed towards the French aerospace giant, Safran Aircraft Engines. The primary objective of this tender is to secure a Bridge Support package that will ensure the continued operational readiness of the Rafale fleet. The IAF has explicitly stated that it requires these technical and maintenance services to extend beyond September 2026, ensuring that the sophisticated aircraft remain at peak performance levels for years to come. This tender is part of the long-term logistics framework established under the 2016 India-France inter-governmental agreement, under which the 36 jets were originally procured.

Exposing Pakistani Propaganda

The release of this tender has completely deflated the narrative pushed by Pakistan on various international forums and social media platforms. Pakistan had claimed that during Operation Sindhu, its Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets had successfully engaged and shot down Indian Rafale aircraft. This misinformation was spread widely to boost the morale of their forces and mislead the international community. However, the IAF's requirement for maintenance support for all 36 aircraft proves that no Rafale was lost or even damaged as claimed by the Pakistani military. The fabricated stories of the J-10C's superiority have been laid to rest by this administrative and technical reality.

Context of Operation Sindhu

Operation Sindhu was a major military action undertaken by the Indian Armed Forces in May 2025. This operation was launched as a direct and decisive response to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack. During this high-intensity operation, Indian forces targeted and destroyed numerous terrorist hideouts, Pakistani air defense systems, and aircraft. The strike was so comprehensive that it impacted a dozen Pakistani airbases, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Pakistani soldiers and terrorists. While Pakistan attempted to cover up its losses by inventing stories of shooting down Rafales, the current IAF document confirms that India maintained total air superiority throughout the conflict without losing a single Rafale jet. The 36 Rafales continue to be the backbone of India's aerial strike capability, and the new tender ensures they will remain so well into the future.