Amid a pending renewal of long-term logistics contract, the Indian Air Force has asked French engine-maker Safran for interim support to its Rafale fighter fleet.The IAF’s request for proposal (RFP) to Safran has triggered a debate on social media as it seeks the support for the fleet of 36 jets — the same number as purchased from France under a government-to-government deal.On social media some users have cited the number of 36 jets mentioned in the document to challenge Pakistan’s claims of aircraft losses during Operation Sindoor. The IAF has not officially confirmed any loss to its fleet during the four-day skirmish with its western adversary in May last year.The IAF’s RFP seeks a five-month ‘bridge support’ arrangement beyond September 18, 2026. Safran Aircraft Engines is one of the original equipment manufacturers associated with the Rafale programme.Sources said the bridge support arrangement was needed as the follow-on performance-based logistics (PBL) contract is yet to be finalised. Under the PBL, a specified number of aircraft have to available for battle at any point and time.The PBL was signed for five years. The ‘bridge support’ is arrangement to ensure uninterrupted maintenance, logistics and technical support for the fleet until the new PBL framework is signed.Contracts for sustainment and maintenance are generally based on authorised fleet numbers and do not disclose operational inventories. Each of the Rafale jets is powered by M88 engine produced by Safran.The RPF document sent to Safran seeks a support package meant for the operation of all 36 Rafale aircraft and targets a planned utilisation rate of 150 flying hours per aircraft annually and calculates the requirement at 2,250 flying hours during the five-month period.The original Rafale contract included 36 fighter aircraft along with associated equipment, spares, consumables and maintenance support required for the initial years of fleet operations.Sources said ‘bridge support’ arrangements are a routine practice whenever long-term sustainment contracts are under negotiation or awaiting conclusion. Such measures are intended to prevent any gap in the supply of spares, repairs, technical assistance and maintenance services.