Rafale Fighter Seen in Republic Day Flypast, Casting Doubt on Earlier Claims About Aircraft Loss

An Indian Air Force Rafale fighter aircraft that had earlier been claimed by Pakistan to have been shot down during aerial engagements in May 2025 was seen flying during the Republic Day parade on January 26, 2026, raising questions over those assertions and drawing renewed attention to the issue of unverified wartime claims.

The aircraft, identified by its tail number BS-022 in publicly available aviation records, took part in the ceremonial flypast over Kartavya Path as part of the Indian Air Force’s Republic Day display. Its presence in active service contradicted earlier statements made by Pakistan’s military and several media outlets, which had suggested that the same aircraft was destroyed during air operations linked to India’s Operation Sindoor last year.

Background of the Claims

Following heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan in early May 2025, Pakistan’s Air Force had publicly stated that it had downed multiple Indian fighter aircraft during aerial encounters. Among the aircraft cited in those claims were several Rafale jets, including BS-022. These statements circulated widely on television debates and social media platforms in Pakistan, often accompanied by commentary portraying the claims as a significant military achievement.

However, at the time, no independently verifiable evidence was produced to support the assertions. Defence analysts noted the absence of physical wreckage, corroborated radar data, or neutral third-party confirmation. Indian defence authorities dismissed the claims, maintaining that no Rafale aircraft had been lost during the operation.

Republic Day Flypast Brings Renewed Focus

The appearance of BS-022 in the Republic Day flypast has brought the issue back into public discussion. The annual parade, which marks the adoption of India’s Constitution, includes carefully planned military displays that typically feature only operational and service-ready equipment. Defence officials familiar with the process have stated that aircraft selected for the flypast undergo extensive technical checks and rehearsals in the weeks leading up to the event.

Observers at the parade noted that the Rafale formations flew with precision alongside other frontline aircraft, underscoring the platform’s continued role within the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet. While the Air Force did not issue a separate statement specifically addressing past claims, the aircraft’s participation was widely interpreted as a factual rebuttal.

Operation Sindoor and Official Positions

Operation Sindoor was conducted by India between May 7 and May 10, 2025, following a major attack on civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Indian authorities described the operation as a limited and targeted response aimed at neutralising identified threats across the Line of Control and in Pakistan-occupied territories.

Senior Indian defence officials have previously stated that the operation relied heavily on air defence systems, surveillance assets, and coordinated responses rather than extended aerial dogfights. They have consistently rejected reports of losses to advanced fighter aircraft, including Rafales, during the operation.

Manufacturers and technical partners associated with the Rafale programme also denied reports of the aircraft being shot down, pointing to the lack of credible evidence and the continued operational deployment of the fleet.

Rafale’s Role in the Indian Air Force

The Dassault Rafale is a multirole combat aircraft inducted into the Indian Air Force to enhance its air combat, strike, and reconnaissance capabilities. Classified as a 4.5-generation fighter, it is equipped with advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems, and multi-mission flexibility.

BS-022 is listed in open-source defence aviation databases as an active aircraft assigned to one of the IAF’s Rafale squadrons. Defence analysts note that the Indian Air Force maintains detailed maintenance and operational logs, making it difficult for the loss of such a platform to go unnoticed or unacknowledged.

Misinformation and the Fog of Conflict

Experts say the episode highlights how unverified claims can gain traction during periods of military tension, especially in the age of rapid information sharing. Retired military officers and strategic affairs specialists have cautioned that social media amplification and selective reporting can blur the line between confirmed facts and speculation.

“Claims made during conflicts need to be assessed carefully and backed by evidence,” said a defence analyst based in New Delhi. “The long-term credibility of official statements depends on transparency and verifiable data.”

Broader Implications

While military spokespersons on both sides have since refrained from revisiting the events of May 2025 in detail, the reappearance of BS-022 has reinforced calls for responsible communication during security crises. Analysts note that inaccurate or exaggerated claims can complicate diplomatic efforts and misinform the public.

As Republic Day celebrations concluded, the focus returned to the ceremonial significance of the parade. Yet, for many observers, the Rafale flypast served as a reminder of how quickly narratives can form during conflict—and how time and evidence ultimately shape the historical record.