New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to get a major boost with the arrival of 10 new Rafale jets in the coming month. The new additions would take the number of these planes to 21 as 11 of them are already flying with the Ambala-based 17 Squadron.
While speaking to media, a senior government official said, “Three Rafale fighters would be arriving in India in next two to three days directly flying from France with midair refuelling support by a friendly Air Force. Following that, we would be getting around 7-8 more of these fighters and their trainer version in the second half of next month. This would greatly boost our capability to carry out our missions.”
According to reports, the jets would be stationed in Ambala after arriving from France while some of them would be later sent to Hashimara.
India had ordered 36 of these fighter aircraft from France in September 2016 and by April-end 2021, more than 50 per cent of these fighters would have arrived in India.
The jets had started joining the IAF fleet in July-August last year and were operationalised by the Air Force in no time.
The aircraft had also been deployed for patrolling along the China front in eastern Ladakh and other fronts during the height of the China confrontation.
It should be noted that the twin-engine Rafale jets can carry out a variety of missions – ground and sea attack, air defence and air superiority, reconnaissance, and nuclear strike deterrence.
These jets carrying the long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles have given an edge to Indian firepower over their Chinese and Pakistani rivals.