In a massive boost for Indian Air Force (IAF), the first batch of five Rafale fighter aircraft took off from France’s Istres airbase on Monday (July 27) and will arrive in India on Wednesday (July 29). These jets will land at the Ambala Air Force Station in India on Wednesday (July 29) after covering a distance of almost 7,364 kilometres.
“India took a significant step in strengthening air power and defence preparedness with the first five Rafale fighter aircraft, built by Dassault, flying out from Merignac airbase in Bordeaux, France to India today. This also marks a new milestone in the strong and growing India-France defense cooperation,” said the Indian Embassy in France in a press release.
The five aircraft will be the first tranche of the 36 planes bought by India from France in a Rs 59,000-crore inter-governmental deal in 2016.
Twelve IAF pilots and engineering crew members are fully trained trained on the Rafale fighter jets.
The five Rafale jets, which took to the skies, include the trainer RB-003 — RB for Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, the Chief of Air Staff.
“These five Rafale jets are extremely swift, versatile and very deadly aircraft, they’re both beauty & beast. I would like to thank Dassault for delivering aircraft on time and French Government & French Air Force for all the support,” said Jawed Ashraf, Indian Ambassador to France.
In a statement, the Indian embassy in France said, “Delivery of ten aircraft has been completed on schedule. Five will stay back in France for training Mission. The delivery of all thirty six aircraft will be completed on schedule by the end of 2021.”
Official sources said the Rafale jets are likely to be deployed in the Ladakh sector as part of the IAF’s efforts to enhance its operational capabilities along the Line of Actual Control with China in view of the border row with the country.
Officials said arrival of the Rafale jets will further strengthen the IAF’s combat capabilities.
The IAF has already completed preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots, to welcome the fighter aircraft
The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal. The IAF spent around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangars and maintenance facilities at the two bases
Out of 36 Rafale jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers. The trainer jets will be twin-seater and they will have almost all the features of the fighter jets.
