100 Days of Operation Sindoor: Rafale Fighter Jet That Shook Pakistan
On May 7, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) launched Operation Sindoor, a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, marking its 100th day on August 15, 2025, showcased the unparalleled capabilities of the Rafale fighter jet, operated by the Golden Arrows squadron based at Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana. This blog explores how the Rafale became the backbone of this high-stakes mission, reshaping India’s airpower narrative and sending a strong message to Pakistan.
The Trigger: Pahalgam Terror Attack
The catalyst for Operation Sindoor was a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, orchestrated by Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The attack, which killed 26 civilians, prompted India to adopt a new defense doctrine emphasizing swift, precise retaliation. Intelligence from the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) had been tracking terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) for weeks, identifying key targets in locations like Muzaffarabad, Muridke, Bahawalpur, and Sialkot.
Operation Sindoor: A Game-Changing Offensive
Launched in the early hours of May 7, Operation Sindoor was a tri-service operation involving the Indian Air Force, Navy, and Army. The IAF’s Rafale jets, equipped with advanced weaponry like SCALP cruise missiles and HAMMER precision-guided munitions, struck nine terror camps deep inside Pakistani territory without crossing into enemy airspace. These strikes dismantled critical infrastructure linked to LeT and JeM, including a key LeT base in Muridke tied to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed.
The operation escalated when Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling and drone incursions along the Line of Control (LoC). India responded decisively, targeting 11 Pakistani air bases, including Nur Khan and Rafiqui, destroying approximately 20% of Pakistan’s air force assets. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh confirmed that the IAF downed at least six Pakistani aircraft, including five fighter jets and one large aircraft, showcasing the Rafale’s dominance in air-to-air combat.
The Rafale Edge: Why It Mattered
The Rafale, a 4.5-generation, twin-engine, omni-role fighter jet procured from France in 2016, proved its worth during Operation Sindoor. Its key features include:
- Meteor Missile: Engages targets beyond 150 km, providing unmatched air-to-air superiority.
- SCALP Cruise Missile: Enables precision strikes over 300 km, ideal for targeting fortified terror camps.
- SPECTRA Electronic Warfare Suite: Offers jamming, threat detection, and self-protection, ensuring survivability in hostile environments.
- Thales Targeting Pod: Ensures pinpoint accuracy even in low-visibility conditions.
- Aerial Refueling: Extends mission range, allowing prolonged operations.
With a top speed of Mach 1.8 and a combat radius exceeding 1,000 km, the Rafale executed complex missions, switching seamlessly between air-to-air combat, ground strikes, and reconnaissance. Commanding Officer Amit Ghiyani emphasized, “Rafale is an ultra-advanced weapon platform. It fulfilled all responsibilities assigned during Operation Sindoor with unmatched accuracy and survivability.”
Debunking Pakistan’s Claims
Pakistan’s military and media claimed to have shot down multiple Indian Rafale jets using Chinese-made J-10C fighters and PL-15 missiles. These assertions, amplified by social media images of alleged Rafale wreckage, were debunked by Indian and French authorities. Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier clarified that one Rafale was lost due to a technical failure at high altitude, not enemy fire. French experts further discredited Pakistan’s evidence, identifying supposed Rafale debris as a Mirage 2000 drop tank from 1984, predating the Rafale program.
India’s Defense Secretary RK Singh reiterated, “Pakistan suffered losses many times over India in both human and material terms, and more than 100 terrorists were eliminated.” French intelligence also accused China of orchestrating a disinformation campaign to undermine the Rafale’s global reputation, aiming to promote its J-10C as a cheaper alternative.
Strategic Implications and India’s New Doctrine
Operation Sindoor marked a shift in India’s counter-terrorism policy, rejecting nuclear blackmail and treating terror attacks as acts of war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2025, hailed the operation as a reflection of India’s outrage and resolve. The operation also highlighted India’s self-reliance in defense technology, with the indigenous Akashteer air defense system intercepting Pakistani drones and missiles.
Non-military measures, such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari-Wagah border, and banning Pakistani artists, underscored India’s comprehensive response. The operation garnered international support from nations like the US, UK, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, reinforcing India’s stance against terrorism.
Looking Ahead: Rafale’s Lasting Impact
The success of Operation Sindoor has cemented the Rafale as the IAF’s most potent combat asset. The IAF has proposed acquiring additional Rafale jets to replace aging MiG-series aircraft, signaling confidence in the platform’s capabilities. The operation’s 100-day milestone, marked by exclusive reports from Ambala’s Golden Arrows squadron, underscores India’s enhanced airpower and strategic deterrence.
As the Rafale continues deterrent patrols along contested borders, its role in Operation Sindoor serves as a testament to India’s resolve and technological prowess. The operation not only shook Pakistan’s terror infrastructure but also redefined the rules of engagement in South Asia, with the Rafale at the forefront of India’s defense strategy.
Sources: India Today, Firstpost, Business Today, The Economic Times, Hindustan Times
