The Indian Air Force has sought a new ‘Bridge Support’ contract for its entire fleet of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft. According to an RFP (Request for Proposal) issued in June 2026, the Air Force has sought proposals from French engine manufacturer Safran Aircraft Engines for logistics, spare parts and technical support for five months.
According to the document, India had purchased 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from France in 2016. The original agreement also included spare parts and maintenance support required for operation for five years. Now the Indian Air Force has demanded an interim or ‘bridge support’ arrangement for the next five months after 18 September 2026.
2,250 flying hours planned for 36 aircraft
According to the RFP, the proposal has been prepared keeping in mind the operation of the entire 36 Rafale aircraft. An average rate of 150 flying hours per year has been fixed for each aircraft. On this basis, a total of 2,250 flying hours have been planned for a period of five months. According to sources, the entire fleet of 36 aircraft is mentioned in the document.
Pakistan’s claims exposed
During Operation Sindoor in May 2025, Pakistan’s military media wing ISPR had claimed that it had shot down three or more Rafale fighter planes of the Indian Air Force. However, India never officially confirmed these claims. Pakistan’s claims also could not be independently verified.
After Operation Sindoor, there was also discussion about the pictures of the wreckage of the alleged M88 engine in Bathinda area of Punjab. At that time it was claimed to be linked to Rafale, although these claims were never confirmed by the Air Force.
Questions were also raised regarding tail numbers
What is even more interesting is that at least two tail numbers of the Rafale aircraft which were reported by Pakistani social media accounts as being shot down, were later seen flying again. For this reason, all the claims of Pakistan regarding the new Rafale support tender have been exposed.
What is the official position?
The Indian Air Force has not released any detailed public information regarding the possible damage caused to Rafale aircraft during Operation Sindoor. This new RFP is mainly a document related to the maintenance and operation of the Rafale fleet. However, due to the mention of 36 aircraft in it, questions are once again being raised on Pakistan’s claims.
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