Second batch of Rafale jets arrive in India after flying non-stop from France
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New Delhi, Nov 5: Accomplishing a highly complex mission, the second batch of Rafale fighter jets reached India on Wednesday night after flying non-stop from France. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated Indian Air Force for successfully accomplishing a highly complex mission in a professional and safe manner.
The three Rafale fighter aircraft, that arrived at Jamnagar airbase in Gujarat, took off from Istres airbase in France and reached India after three mid-air refuelling en route. It took over 8 hours and covered 3,700 nautical miles to reach directly from France showcasing the long-range operational capability of the Air Force.
The second batch of three Rafale aircraft got airborne from Istres airbase in France and flew for over eight hours before landing at an IAF base. They covered a distance of over 3700 nautical miles with three in-flight refuellings. pic.twitter.com/gHEixnMh2B
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 4, 2020
Earlier, the first batch of five Rafales flew into India on July 28 and was officially inducted on September 10. With the induction of these aircraft, the IAF would have eight fighter aircraft which will be operationalised within a few days. The Rafale fighters have already been operationalised and have also been deployed in the conflict zone of Ladakh in the short duration of time they have been with the Air Force.
Second batch of IAF #Rafale aircraft arrived in India at 8:14 pm on 04 Nov 20 after flying non-stop from France.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 4, 2020
In September 2016, India had signed a deal with France for the acquisition of 36 Rafale multi-role fighter jets in a fly-away condition along with 13 India Specific Enhancements (ISE) under a €7.87 billion (Rs. 60,000 crore) Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA). India-specific enhancements on the Rafales include a helmet-mounted sight, radar warning receivers, flight data recorders with storage for 10 hours of data, infrared search and track systems, jammers, cold engine start capability to operate from high-altitude bases and towed decoys to ward off incoming missiles.
The twin-engine jet is capable of carrying out a variety of missions – ground and sea attack, air defence and air superiority, reconnaissance and nuclear strike deterrence. It can carry almost 10 tonnes of weapons.