Operation Sindoor: How Rafale fleet has added to India's defence might

The mission was a response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. (File photo/PTI)

As part of Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces launched joint airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), targeting nine terror camps using Rafale jets armed with SCALP cruise missiles and HAMMER precision-guided munitions.

"Justice is served", the Indian Army posted on X as it announced the codename of the mission.

Also Read: Operation Sindoor News Live

Moments after the break of midnight, missiles rained down on nine locations in Pakistan,
including Bahawalpur and Muridke, the strongholds of terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba respectively.

Apart from the Air Force, the Navy and the Army were also involved in the operation - a retaliation to the horrific attack in Pahalgam by Pakistan-based terrorists that left 26 civilians dead.

How Rafale jets have added to India's military capabilities?

For Operation Sindoor, India's defence was bolstered by Rafales jets in its arsenal. During the Balakot airstrike in 2019, India had deployed outdated Mirage 2000 jets to attack terror launchpads.

India’s journey with the Rafale fighter aircraft began in 2016 when the government signed a deal with France to purchase 36 jets, aimed at strengthening the country’s defence and enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The first five Rafale jets arrived in India in July 2020 and were stationed at Air Force Station Ambala, later joining the 101 Squadron in West Bengal. These jets were initially used for training Indian pilots and technicians in France before being inducted into the IAF.

The deal for these 36 Rafale jets was different from the earlier plan to buy 126 aircraft. While the original plan involved 108 planes to be built in India, the new agreement focused on 36 jets being directly delivered from France. This deal included better pricing, maintenance terms, and additional support like weapons and simulators. Over the years, the collaboration between India and France has also extended to other defence projects, such as submarines, according to an official statement by the government.

IAF's Rafale C is a multi-role fighter geared for diverse missions like air superiority, ground strikes and nuclear deterrence, primarily over land.

Meanwhile, on April 28, 2025, India signed another significant defense agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets, valued at approximately Rs 63,000 crore. This includes 22 single-seat jets and 4 twin-seat jets.

This deal marks India's first acquisition of the naval variant of the Rafale, making it the first international operator of this model. The deal also covers pilot training, flight simulators, weapons, essential equipment, and long-term maintenance support. In addition, it includes extra gear for the Rafale jets already being used by the Indian Air Force.

Operationally, the Rafale-M is tailored for maritime combat, focusing on anti-ship strikes, air superiority over sea and defense of naval assets. It's equipped with the Thales RBE2-M radar, optimized for maritime operations and a SPECTRA electronic warfare suite adapted for naval missions, enhancing its ability to detect and engage naval target, according to Indian Defence Research Wing.

With this, by 2030, India will have a total of 62 Rafale jets in service, including 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft, making it the first country to operate both versions of the Rafale aircraft after France. The addition of the Rafale-M will significantly strengthen India’s air and naval power, ensuring dominance in both the skies and at sea, while reinforcing the nation's sovereignty.