Expert Analysis of Operation Sindoor and the Rafale Narrative

By BPN News Desk January 27, 2026

Op-Eds Opinion

This analysis is based on a detailed independent military study titled Operation Sindoor: The India–Pakistan Air War (7–10 May 2025), authored by Adrien Fontanellaz and published as an exploratory note by the Centre for Historical and Political-Military Studies. The report reconstructs the

Op-Eds Opinion

Why the Rafale Production Line Matters More Than the Jet Itself

By BPN News Desk January 20, 2026

India’s Rafale deal is usually reduced to familiar talking points. How many aircraft, how much money, and whether the jet is better than its rivals. That framing misses the real strategic value of the agreement. The most important outcome of the Rafale deal is not the fighter itself, but the decision to build a production […]

Defence National

India To Consider Proposal For 114 Rafale Jets

By BPN News Desk January 15, 2026

The Centre is expected to soon consider the Indian Air Force’s proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France as part of its long-pending fighter acquisition plan. The proposal is likely to be taken up by the Defence Acquisition Council, which clears major defence purchases. Deal Structure And Scope The planned acquisition is expected […]

International

China Delivers 36 J-10C Jets to Pakistan: US Report

By BPN News Desk December 24, 2025

A recent United States defence assessment has stated that China has delivered a total of 36 J-10C multirole fighter aircraft to Pakistan, a figure that matches the number of Rafale fighter jets currently operated by the Indian Air Force. The development highlights continuing military modernisation efforts in South Asia and the deepening defence partnership between […]

International

Ukraine Signs Letter For Up To 100 Rafale Jets

By BPN News Desk November 18, 2025

Ukraine has signed a letter of intent with France to potentially acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, along with drones and advanced air-defence systems. The announcement followed President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The understanding marks one of the largest prospective defence packages between the two countries. What

Defence National

President Murmu Flies In Rafale Fighter From Ambala

By BPN News Desk October 29, 2025

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday took a sortie in a Dassault Rafale fighter jet from Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana. This was her second flight in a frontline combat aircraft, following her earlier sortie in a Sukhoi-30 MKI from Tezpur in April 2023. Significance Of The Sortie The flight makes President Murmu the first […]

Op-Eds Opinion

A Squadron Boost or a Logistics Burden? The Case for Buying Qatar’s Typhoons

By BPN News Desk October 12, 2025

Unverified reports that India may be eyeing Qatar’s Eurofighter Typhoon jets have triggered a wave of speculation. With the Indian Air Force facing a squadron strength far below the sanctioned 42, the idea of acquiring nearly new fighters from Doha sounds tempting. But the question remains—would these jets be a quick fix or a long-term […]

Op-Eds Opinion

The Su-57 is More Than a Fighter — It’s a Classroom for AMCA

By BPN News Desk September 23, 2025

India’s Air Force is at a critical juncture. The backbone of its current fighter fleet — Jaguars, MiG-29s, and Mirage-2000s — is ageing fast. Rafale has plugged some of the gaps, while the Su-30MKI continues to be the workhorse. But one truth is unavoidable: India has no stealth fighter capability today, and AMCA, its indigenous […]

Op-Eds Opinion

Why 114 Rafales Are India’s Biggest Defence Signal Since Pokhran II

By BPN News Desk September 13, 2025

India has had a few inflection points that quietly, firmly reset how the world reads New Delhi’s intent. Pokhran II in 1998 was one such moment. A three-decade later echo could arrive if the proposal to build 114 Rafales in India moves from paper to production. This is not only a purchase plan. It is […]

Defence National

IAF Eyes More Rafales After Operation Sindoor

By BPN News Desk September 13, 2025

The Indian Air Force is considering strengthening its fleet after the successful execution of “Operation Sindoor.” It is evaluating the option of acquiring more Rafale fighter jets to counter the shortfall in squadron numbers. MRFA Programme Under Review The additional jets are expected to come under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme. A