Covering 7,000 km, three more Rafale reach India after flying non-stop from France
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New Delhi, Jan 28: Adding three more "birds" for enhancing Indian Air Force (IAF), the third batch of three Rafale fighter jets landed in India on Wednesday evening after flying non-stop from France. The jets flew over 7000 km with in-flight refuelling. With the arrival of the new batch, the number of Rafale aircraft has increased to 11.
"The third batch of three Rafale aircraft landed at an IAF base a short while ago. They flew over 7000Km with in-flight refuelling. The aircraft got airborne earlier in the day from #IstresAirBase in France. IAF deeply appreciates the tanker support provided by UAE Air Force," the IAF tweeted.
The third batch of three Rafale aircraft landed at an IAF base a short while ago. They flew over 7000Km with in-flight refuelling. The aircraft got airborne earlier in the day from #IstresAirBase in France. IAF deeply appreciates the tanker support provided by UAE Air Force. pic.twitter.com/tykLthzVlx
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 27, 2021
"Three more #Rafale jets take off from France for a non stop flight to India with mid air refuelling by UAE MRTT; Adding more strength to India's air power. Wishing our amazing pilots smooth flight&safe landing with superb fighter jets," the Indian embassy in France tweeted earlier.
Three more #Rafale jets take off from 🇫🇷 for a non stop flight to 🇮🇳 with mid air refueling by UAE MRTT; Adding more strength to 🇮🇳's air power.
— India in France (@IndiaembFrance) January 27, 2021
Wishing our amazing pilots smooth flight&safe landing with superb fighter jets.@MEAIndia @JawedAshraf5 @IAF_MCC @IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/nq6vtWdWM4
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.
Besides, 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.
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.