The three new Rafale jets will be deployed in Ambala. Interestingly, Ambala airbase is also 200 km from the border of China.
Jamnagar| more Rafale fighter jets have arrived in India to join the Indian Airforce (IAF) fleet. These planes landed at Jamnagar base in Gujarat at around 11 pm. After leaving France, the three jets have reached India without any stop. On the way, air-to-air re-fueling was done with the help of the UAE air force.
With this, the number of Rafale jets in India has increased to 14. 11 Rafael jets have already arrived from France in three batches. The news agency quoted sources as saying that in the second week of April, 7 more Rafales could arrive. Apart from this, the trainer version of Rafale will also come to India.
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The 4th batch of three IAF #Rafales landed on Indian soil after a direct ferry from#IstresAirBase France. pic.twitter.com/Ch36dgptNF
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 31, 2021
The three new Rafale will be deployed in Ambala. the aim is to use it for fast action against Pakistan on the western border whenever needed. Interestingly, Ambala airbase is also 200 km from the border of China. The 17th Squadron Golden Arrows will be the first squadron of Rafael in Ambala.
Rafales were refueled in-flight by UAE Air Force tankers. This marks yet another milestone in the strong relationship between the two Air Forces.
Thank You UAE AF.@IndembAbuDhabi @Indian_Embassy pic.twitter.com/6gFwh0AnjR— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 31, 2021
India received its first batch of 5 Rafale fighter jets on 29 July 2020. After this, the second batch of 3 Rafale fighter jets came on 4 November 2020. Under the third batch, 3 Rafale fighter jets arrived in India on 27 January 2021. With these jets, 11 Rafale aircraft have been included in the Air Force fleet so far. India had signed 36 Rafale jets with France in 2016 for 58000 crores rupees. These will have 30 fighter jets and 6 training aircraft.
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