On the night of May 6-7, 2025, India executed Operation Sindoor, a precise, high-impact military operation targeting terrorist camps deep inside Pakistan. For the first time, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed its Rafale fighter jets in active combat—marking a new era in India’s counter-terrorism strategy. The French-built Rafales, with their state-of-the-art technology, proved instrumental in this operation and showcased India’s rising stature in modern warfare.

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What Was Operation Sindhoor?

Operation Sindoor was a strategic response to terror attacks linked to Pakistani-backed groups, especially the gruesome Pahalgam incident that killed 26 people. The IAF struck nine terrorist hubs—believed to be located in Muridke, Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad, and Kotli—while carefully avoiding Pakistani military installations.

Also read | Inside Operation Sindoor: Rafale, SCALP, HAMMER – The deadly triad India used to strike terror camps in Pakistan and PoK | Explained

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Flying within Indian airspace, Rafales launched SCALP cruise missiles and HAMMER precision-guided bombs, hitting targets over 500 km away. All jets returned safely. Even Pakistani sources acknowledged casualties and damage—an unspoken validation of the mission’s effectiveness.

How Rafale Gave India the Edge

1. Long-Range Precision Strikes

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The Rafale’s SCALP missiles allowed the IAF to strike deep into enemy territory without breaching Pakistan’s airspace. With ranges beyond 500 km, these weapons ensured high-impact results while keeping Indian pilots out of harm’s way.

2. Superior Technology and Stealth

The SPECTRA electronic warfare suite protected Rafales from enemy detection. Its AESA radar tracked multiple targets in hostile conditions. During Operation Sindoor, this tech-enabled stealth-like penetration—vital in avoiding Pakistani radar and missile defences.

Also read | Operation Sindoor: Will your international flight be affected amid India-Pakistan tensions? Know flight status here

3. Multi-Role Capability

The Rafale is designed for simultaneous air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions. In the operation, it used SCALP for long-range targets and HAMMER bombs for pinpoint accuracy—demonstrating unmatched mission flexibility.

4. Terrain Mastery

Flying low over mountainous terrain near the LoC, Rafales leveraged terrain-following tech to stay undetected. Former IAF Chief B.S. Dhanoa had earlier remarked that the Rafale “blinds the enemy” using geography—a tactic likely employed in this mission.

5. Confidence and Credibility Boost

Unlike the 2019 Balakot strike (which used older Mirage 2000s), the Rafale’s advanced capabilities ensured a cleaner, safer, and more impactful mission. It reinforced the IAF’s strike credibility while signalling to adversaries that India means business.

Also read | Operation Sindoor: Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif retracts PoW claim, says no Indian soldiers captured

Why Rafale Matters for India’s Defence Future

India currently operates 36 Rafales, stationed at Ambala and Hashimara to counter threats from Pakistan and China. With 26 more Rafale Marine variants coming for the Navy, India is cementing its air and maritime superiority.

Rafales can carry a wide array of weapons—MICA for air combat, AM39 EXOCET for ship targets, and eventually indigenous weapons like the Astra missile. The jet is a force multiplier.

Importantly, the deal includes technology transfers and maintenance facilities under “Make in India,” like the one planned near Jewar airport—boosting local jobs and self-reliance.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While effective, the Rafale programme is not without its critics. The ₹58,000 crore deal was politically contentious but has been cleared by the Supreme Court in two rulings. Now, the focus must shift to expanding India’s Rafale fleet and enhancing integration with Indian-made systems.

With ageing MiG-21s and MiG-27s retiring, India must fast-track the acquisition of more Rafales or similar modern fighters to keep pace with China’s expanding fleet.

A Moment of National Pride

Operation Sindoor marks a proud chapter in India’s security narrative. Rafales, flying high and striking deep, have redefined how India conducts strategic retaliatory operations. As one viral post on X put it:

“Rafales have turned out to be the game-changer... missiles launched without crossing the border. Jai Hind!”

For millions of Indians, the Rafale is more than a fighter jet—it is a symbol of strength, technological progress, and unyielding resolve.