scorecardresearch
Add as a preferred source on Google
Thursday, February 19, 2026
TopicRafale

Topic: Rafale

Rafale dilemma sums up India’s defence paradox—security vs self-reliance

To evaluate the futility or the utility of India's procurement of 114 Rafale aircraft, we must first define the problem it aims to solve.

IAF achieved air superiority in Op Sindoor, forced Pakistan to seek ceasefire—Swiss think tank

Authored by military historian Adrien Fontanellaz, the study reveals the drone strategy used by Pakistan & how they tried to hit S-400 air defence system, both of which failed.

Rafale saga: 25 yrs of detours, deadlocks & political hesitation. Now IAF getting what it always wanted

Instead of buying more Mirages outright in early 2000s, the requirement was tweaked in favour of a medium-weight, multi-role fighter with Mirage-like performance. 

Rafale deal to be inked in 2026, final assembly line in Nagpur, Indian firms to be roped in

The proposed project costing about Rs 3.25 lakh crore will entail procurement of 18 aircraft in fly away condition & the rest made in India with up to 60% indigenous content.

India and France to jointly manufacture HAMMER air-to-surface missile

Indigenisation level will progressively increase up to 60 percent with key sub-assemblies, electronics and mechanical parts being manufactured locally.

From battle of wits and daring air strikes to artillery fury, new details emerge of Operation Sindoor

Fresh details of operation conducted by IAF, Army have come out in gazette notification giving citations of those who were awarded Vir Chakra for their bravery.

IAF chief says around 13 Pakistani jets destroyed in Op Sindoor—4-5 F-16s on ground, S-400 downed 6 more

Addressing press conference ahead of Air Force Day, Air Force chief A.P. Singh also trashed Pakistan's claims about Indian losses during Op Sindoor as 'Manohar Kahaniyan'.

Dassault says CEO made no comments on Rafale’s ‘operational or technical’ issues during Op Sindoor

New Delhi: Dassault Aviation has issued a formal clarification denying reports that its CEO, Eric Trappier, made any "operational or technical comments" regarding Rafale...

China’s information war against Rafale

‘Buying Rafale joins the EU’s circle of friends. China offers arms without strings but also without political protection,’ read a post on Weibo.

Pakistan’s claims ‘absolutely not correct’, no political constraints on armed forces: Defence secy

In a wide-ranging interview, Rajesh Kumar Singh speaks on Op Sindoor and China’s role, India’s fifth-gen fighter plans, defence procurement roadmap, and defence ties with US.

On Camera

Telangana spoke up for Muslim vendor who was attacked. South is different from the North

A poor Muslim man from Kurnool, selling khoya buns during the Medaram Jatara in Telangana, was harassed by some YouTubers and surrounded by a mob over allegations of 'food jihad'.

In the West, there’s anxiety. In India, optimism—Rishi Sunak says India poised to be leader in AI

On Wednesday, the former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was speaking in New Delhi at a Carnegie & Observer Research Foundation event on AI.

US military commander, envoy Sergio Gor visit Indian Army Western Command, Bengaluru next

At the Western Army Command, the American delegation was briefed on the capabilities of the formation, past operations and the path ahead.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.