Weekly Defence Dispatch: Pakistan's Rafale kill claims collapse, Su-30MKI gets BrahMos fangs, Netra clears FOC and more

A weekly defence dispatch says IAF tender documents counter Pakistan’s Rafale kill claims from Operation Sindoor by showing all 36 Rafale jets under a 2016 France deal remain operational and flying. The report also cites Air Headquarters issuing requests for proposals to Dassault Aviation and Safran Aircraft Engines for a five-month bridge support package to keep the fleet running beyond September 18, 2026. It revisits Pakistan Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed’s earlier statements that three Rafales were hit, including provided coordinates and audio during press remarks. The dispatch adds that tail numbers claimed as destroyed have later appeared flying, including at India’s Republic Day parade in January, arguing India’s flypasts undercut Islamabad’s evidence months earlier. It further frames the Rafale narrative as part of a longer pattern of disputed claims, referencing earlier incidents. The dispatch also notes early talks between India and the UAE on potential sale of two Indian defence exports: BrahMos and Akashteer.