The first five of a batch of French Rafale fighter jets bought by New Delhi in a controversial multi-million dollar deal are headed to India for rapid deployment amid mounting tensions with China.
The deal, estimated to be worth $ 9.4 billion, has been overshadowed by corruption allegations made by the opposition Congress party, although Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rejected the claims.
The jets, built by Dassault Aviation, were piloted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) officers like them took off from Merignac in southwestern France, the company said in a statement.
By Wednesday, the five planes are due to be at Ambala Air Base in northern India, about 200 km (125 miles) from the borders of Pakistan and China.
They will refuel in the air several times on the way, and will also stop over at Al Dhafra in the United Arab Emirates, where France has an air base.
A brochure published by Dassault Aviation shows officials posing in front of a Rafale aircraft at Merignac Air Base, France [AFP]
Delivery of the Rafale planes, 36 of which were ordered by India in September 2016, officially started in October, but the planes stayed in France to train pilots and mechanics.
Delivery must be completed by 2022.
“I am extremely impressed by the efficiency and unwavering determination of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Ministry of Defense,” Dassault Aviation Chief Executive Eric Trappier said in a statement.
He added that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, they had “quickly Teacher all aspects of Rafale to strengthen Indian sovereignty and contribute to the protection and security of the Indian people. “
The planes are eagerly awaited by New Delhi, which is eager to upgrade its old fighter jet force as tensions erupt with China and Pakistan.
The hand-to-hand fight between Chinese and Indian forces in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh last month left 20 Indian soldiers dead. China has said it also suffered casualties, but has not given figures.
Tensions are also mounting with Islamabad after India removed the semi-autonomous status of the Muslim-majority region of Kashmir administered by India and imposed strong security crackdown.
The IAF said that once the planes arrive in India, “efforts will focus on operationalizing the aircraft as soon as possible.”
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