Rafale squadron combat readiness questioned amid India’s interim deals
IAF maintenance crisis deepens as logistics contract stalls
New Delhi: Amid a pending renewal of the long-term logistics contract, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has approached French engine-maker Safran for interim ‘bridge support’ to keep its Rafale fighter fleet operational, exposing serious sustainment challenges faced by the force.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the IAF’s request for proposal (RFP) to Safran seeks a five-month bridge support arrangement beyond September 18, 2026, for the fleet of 36 jets.
Critics argue that repeatedly citing the figure of 36 Rafales appears aimed at hoodwinking local voters and the global public at large, especially after Indian aircraft losses during last year’s war with Pakistan, which India named Operation Sindoor.
The IAF has not officially confirmed any losses during the four-day skirmish with Pakistan in May last year. However, the urgent need for interim support from Safran Aircraft Engines — the original equipment manufacturer of the M88 engines powering the Rafales — highlights ongoing maintenance and logistics difficulties.
Experts indicate the bridge support is required because the follow-on performance-based logistics (PBL) contract is yet to be finalised. The original five-year PBL contract ensured a specified number of aircraft remain battle-ready at any time. The new arrangement targets a planned utilisation rate of 150 flying hours per aircraft annually, calculating 2,250 flying hours for the five-month period.
This development underscores the IAF’s growing challenges in maintaining high operational readiness of its high-value Rafale fleet, including potential gaps in spares, repairs, and technical assistance. Contracts for sustainment are generally based on authorised fleet numbers and do not disclose actual operational inventories.
Analysts note that such repeated interim arrangements reflect deeper issues in India’s defence procurement and sustainment ecosystem, raising questions about the true combat readiness of the much-hyped Rafale squadron.
