Fact Check: Operation Sindoor was India's first major military operation using Rafale jets since their induction in 2020.

Fact Check: "Operation Sindoor was India's first major military operation using Rafale jets since their induction in 2020."

What We Know

Operation Sindoor, conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in early May 2025, is indeed recognized as the first major military operation involving the Rafale jets since their induction into the Indian Air Force in 2020. According to Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier, this operation marked a significant deployment of the Rafale fleet, which has been central to India's air combat strategy. The operation was reportedly a response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, and involved precision strikes against multiple targets in Pakistan, showcasing advanced air tactics and electronic warfare capabilities (India Today).

Trappier emphasized that no official communication regarding any losses of Rafale jets had been made by the Indian side during or after the operation, further asserting that claims from Pakistan about downing Indian Rafale jets were "inaccurate" (Firstpost). The operation was characterized by its strategic objectives, which were reportedly met, leading to a de facto ceasefire following the military engagement (Financial Express).

Analysis

The claim that Operation Sindoor was the first major military operation using Rafale jets is supported by multiple credible sources. The statements from Trappier, a key figure in the production and deployment of the Rafale jets, lend significant weight to the assertion. His comments highlight the absence of any confirmed losses of Rafale jets during the operation, which aligns with the broader consensus among Indian defense analysts who have dismissed Pakistan's claims as exaggerated and lacking concrete evidence (India Today, ABP News).

Moreover, the context of the operation, being a direct military response to a terrorist attack, adds to its significance as a deployment of the Rafale jets. The operation's execution involved advanced tactics that are characteristic of modern air combat, further underscoring the operational capabilities of the Rafale jets (Indian Defense News).

While some sources may exhibit a degree of bias—particularly those aligned with nationalistic narratives—the core facts regarding the operation's timing and the involvement of Rafale jets are corroborated by multiple independent reports. The absence of any official acknowledgment of losses from the Indian Air Force strengthens the credibility of the claim that this was a successful deployment of Rafale jets in a major military operation.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Operation Sindoor was India's first major military operation using Rafale jets since their induction in 2020" is accurate. The operation not only marked the combat debut of the Rafale jets in a significant military context but also demonstrated their strategic importance in India's defense framework. The lack of confirmed losses and the successful execution of mission objectives further support this conclusion.

Sources

1. 'Pakistan's claims are inaccurate': Dassault CEO Rafale jets loss ...
2. Pak's claim of Rafale jets loss during Op Sindoor ... - India Today
3. Dassault CEO says Pakistan's Rafale takedown claim during Operation ...
4. Pak's claim of Rafale jets loss during Op Sindoor inaccurate ...
5. Pakistan's claim of shooting down Indian Rafales during Operation ...
6. Dassault CEO Rejects Pakistan's Claim Of Shooting Down Rafale Jets ...
7. Military operation in Pakistan reveals weaknesses of ...
8. Operation Sindoor; The Rafale Effect: How India's Advanced Fighter ...