Updated: September 10, 2020 4:35:25 pm
India’s last major fighter aircraft acquisition was 23 years ago, when Sukhois were imported from Russia. The IAF has been reduced to 31 fighter squadrons against the authorized force of at least 42.
Calling it a “Historic day” for the national security of IndiaDefense Minister Rajnath Singh said Thursday that the induction of Rafale jets is important given the “atmosphere that is created along the borders.”
The first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29, almost four years after India signed an intergovernmental agreement with France to acquire 36 of the planes at a cost of Rs 59,000 crore. The next batch of planes is likely to arrive in October, with the last of the 36 planes arriving in India in late 2021.
The latest generation 4.5 Generation Rafale jet can achieve nearly twice the speed of sound, with a top speed of 1.8 Mach. With its multi-functional capabilities, including electronic warfare, air defense, ground support and depth attacks, the Rafale grants air superiority to the Indian Air Force.
India’s last major fighter aircraft acquisition was 23 years ago, when Sukhois were imported from Russia. The IAF has been reduced to 31 fighter squadrons against the authorized force of at least 42.
When all 36 Rafale jets are delivered in late 2021, it will take it to 32 squadrons. The authorized force is 42 squadrons.
The latest generation 4.5 Generation Rafale Jet can achieve nearly twice the speed of sound, with a top speed of 1.8 Mach.
Rafale vs China’s J20 Chengdu aircraft
Rafale vs Pakistani F16 aircraft
In pictures | The New Golden Arrows: Five Rafale Aircraft Incorporated into Squadron 17
Text: Krishn Kaushik, Illustration: Suvajit Dey
Don’t Miss From Quixplained: When Delhi Metro Restarts, A Look At New Guidelines
📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay up to date with the latest headlines
For the latest news explained, download the Indian Express app.
.
