New Delhi: An Indian Air Force (IAF) document accessed by NDTV has once again cast serious doubt on Pakistan’s claims that it shot down Rafale fighter jets during its response to Operation Sindoor.

The document reveals that the IAF is actively planning maintenance and support for all 36 Rafale aircraft acquired from France under the 2016 Inter-Governmental Agreement. A Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the Directorate of Engineering (Rafale) at Air Headquarters on June 15 seeks bids for a five-month “Bridge Support” contract from French engine manufacturer Safran Aircraft Engines beyond September 18, 2026.

Crucially, the RFP explicitly states that the IAF continues to operate a fleet of 36 Rafale jets. Maintenance planning, operational support requirements, and flying-hour projections throughout the document are all based on that figure.

The Air Force has requested support for a fleet of 36 Rafales flying an average of 150 hours per aircraft annually. Based on these calculations, the RFP estimates a total requirement of 2,250 flying hours over the proposed five-month period.

According to the document, the original Rafale acquisition package included maintenance resources, spare parts, consumables, and support infrastructure sufficient for five years of operations. With that arrangement nearing completion, the IAF has initiated interim support measures to ensure uninterrupted fleet readiness. The RFP has been issued to Safran Aircraft Engines, the manufacturer of the Rafale’s M88 engines.

The disclosure directly contradicts repeated claims by Pakistan that Indian Rafale jets were downed during military operations in May 2025. India has consistently dismissed those assertions as misinformation and propaganda.

Meanwhile, India is also advancing plans to acquire 114 additional fighter aircraft under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, with Dassault Aviation’s Rafale among the leading contenders. The proposed deal featured in recent discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron as both countries reviewed defence cooperation.

Under the current proposal, 18 aircraft would be imported in flyaway condition, while the remaining jets would be manufactured in India with significant domestic participation under the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.