After a long wait of four years, the first batch of five Rafale jets took off from the French airbase and will cover a distance of nearly 7,000 km before touching the Ambala air base in Haryana. The aircrafts will also have a single stop in the United Arab Emirates for refueling.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots and supporting personnel have been provided full training by Dassault. This is a new milestone, strengthening the India-France defence relations. Indian Ambassador in France, Jawed Ashraf was present to congratulate the Indian pilots on this success as well see off the Rafale jets.
Rafale jets are swift, versatile and deadly, called ‘Beauty and The Best’. A game changer for the IAF, the jet has advanced weaponry, high-tech sensors, superior radar for detection, tracking of targets and ability to carry an impressive payload.
Specially tailored for IAF, Rafael’s specific enhancements for India includes cold engine start capability to operate from high-altitude bases, radar warning receivers, flight data recorders, infrared search and track systems, jammers, helmet-mounted sight and towed decoys to ward off incoming missiles.
In 2016, India signed a deal with the French government and ordered 36 Rafale jets. With the first batch of five aircrafts coming into India on 29 July, the other 30 will be delivered by the end of 2021.
The first batch of @IAF_MCC #Rafale has taken off from France to their new home.
It would act as a force multiplier with its superior technology and avionics. #Rafales #RafaleJets pic.twitter.com/v2ry55G2XK— PRO Bengaluru, Ministry of Defence (@Prodef_blr) July 27, 2020
