Three more Rafale jets arrive in India from France; Total count reaches 26

New Delhi, July 23: In a major boost for the Indian Air Force (IAF), three more Rafale fighter jets arrived in India after flying non-stop from France. The aircraft were provided mid-air refuelling by the air force of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the IAF said.

 

 

With the new batch arriving in India, the total has now gone up to 24. "Three Rafale aircraft arrived in India a short while ago, after a direct ferry from #IstresAirBase, France. IAF deeply appreciates the support by UAE Air Force for in-flight refueling during the non-stop ferry," IAF said.

 

 

The new Rafales will be part of the IAF's second squadron of Rafale jets. It should be noted that the second squadron will start operations by July-end at Hashimara Air Force Base in West Bengal. The first Rafale squadron is based in the Ambala air force station. It had already started patrolling the borders with China in eastern Ladakh and other areas.

 

 

Rafale joined the IAF last year in July-August and was soon operationalized. It should be noted, it also has been deployed for patrolling along the China front in eastern Ladakh and other fronts during the height of the China confrontation. 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.

 

 

India is now planning to place orders for 114 multirole fighter aircraft along with the indigenously developed stealth fighters Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft whose seven squadrons would join the IAF in the next 15-20 years.