In a major boost to the firepower of the Indian Air Force (IAF), India on Wednesday received the second batch of three Rafale fighter jets. The three Rafale jets landed in Jamnagar, Gujarat, after flying nonstop from France.
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On the microblogging site Twitter, the IAF announced that the fighter jets arrived in India at 8.14pm. “Second batch of IAF #Rafale aircraft arrived in India at 8:14 pm on November 4, 20 after flying nonstop from France,” the IAF tweeted.
Second batch of IAF #Rafale The planes arrived in India at 8:14 pm on November 4, 20, after flying nonstop from France.
– Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 4, 2020
The Rafale jets flew directly from Istres in France and were accompanied by air-refueling planes from the French Air Force. The IAF said the three planes took off from the Istres airbase in France and flew for more than eight hours covering more than 3,700 nautical miles before landing in India.
“The second batch of three Rafale aircraft took off from the Istres airbase in France and flew for more than eight hours before landing at an IAF base. They covered a distance of more than 3,700 nautical miles with three in-flight refueling,” said the IAF in another tweet.
The second batch of three Rafale jets took off from the Istres airbase in France and flew for more than eight hours before landing at an IAF base. They covered a distance of more than 3,700 nautical miles with three in-flight refueling. pic.twitter.com/gHEixnMh2B
– Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 4, 2020
The IAF further tweeted: “The IAF deeply appreciates the tanker support provided by the French Air Force for the direct ferry of the second batch of IAF Rafales.”
The IAF deeply appreciates the tanker support provided by the French Air Force for the direct ferry of the second batch of IAF Rafales.#Armee_de_lair #PhilippeLavigne #IAF pic.twitter.com/IenRJDTO36
– Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 4, 2020
With three more Rafale fighter jets, the IAF will now have eight Rafale fighter jets in service. India had signed an intergovernmental agreement with France to purchase 36 of these aircraft at a cost of 59 billion rupees.
The development occurs even as tensions on the Royal Line of Control (LAC) between India and China continue. China’s build-up in LAC continues despite a series of diplomatic and military talks.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s office said it congratulated the IAF for successfully accomplishing a “highly complex mission” in a professional and safe manner.
“IAF pilots brought home the second batch of three Rafale aircraft today after flying nonstop from France on a ferry that lasted more than 8 hours. RM Rajnath Singh congratulates the IAF on successfully accomplishing a highly complex mission of a professional and safe way. “tweeted the RMO.
IAF pilots brought home the second batch of three Rafale jets today after flying nonstop from France on a ferry that lasted more than 8 hours.
RM @rajnathsingh congratulate @IAF_MCC for successfully completing a highly complex mission in a professional and safe manner pic.twitter.com/WgoI0vhjRo
– रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय / RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) November 4, 2020
Previously, five Rafale jets flew to Ambala airbase via Abu Dhabi on July 29 and have already been inducted into IAF Squad 17. The five Rafale aircraft were installed at the IAF Ambala Air Base on September 10 in the presence of the Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. and her French counterpart Florence Parly. Under the 2016 deal, India will receive 36 Rafale aircraft from France as part of a 59 billion rupee deal.
The Rafale jets, made by major French aeronautics Dassault Aviation, are India’s first major fighter jet acquisition in 23 years after Sukhoi jets were imported from Russia. On October 5, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, said that the induction of all 36 Rafale aircraft will be completed by 2023.
Rafale aircraft are capable of carrying a variety of powerful weapons. The European missile manufacturer MBDA’s air-to-air missile beyond visual range, the Scalp cruise missile and the MICA weapons system will be the mainstay of the Rafale aircraft weapons package.
Rajnath Singh had said that the Rafale deal changes the rules of the game. “I am sure that our air force has acquired a technological advantage with Rafale,” the minister had pointed out. The Rafale is a 4.5 generation aircraft and has the latest weapons, superior sensors and a fully integrated architecture. It is an omnidirectional aircraft, which means that it can carry out at least four missions in one sortie.
The fighter plane has HAMMER missiles. It will also be armed with missiles beyond visual range such as Meteor, SCALP and MICA, increasing its ability to engage incoming targets from a distance.
Additionally, the induction of 16 additional Rafale fighters by April 2021 will add to the IAF’s strike capability. All 16 Rafale omnidirectional fighter jets will be included in the Golden Arrows squad in April 2021, according to sources.
France’s biggest jet engine maker Safran has said it is ready to make combat engines and accessories in India, according to people familiar with the matter.
All fighters are equipped with Mica and Meteor air-to-air missiles along with Scalp air-to-ground cruise missiles. India has now requested Safran for the modular air-to-ground weapon known as the Hammer with a 250 kg warhead.
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