Indian Air Force pilots train on Rafale jets in Gwalior, amid procurement controversy

Three Rafale fighter jets are engaged in an exercise with the Indian Air Force in Gwalior and Agra, amid a raging controversy over the Rs 58,000-crore deal to procure 36 of them by the government.

Indian Air Force personnel look at a Rafale jet during Pitch Black exercise conducted in Australia. Photo: Royal Australia Air Force.

NEW DELHI: Three Rafale fighter jets are engaged in an exercise with the Indian Air Force in Gwalior and Agra, amid a raging controversy over the Rs 58,000-crore deal to procure 36 of them by the government. The three aircraft was part of the French contingent which participated in the "Operation Pitch Blck" concluded recently in Australia. The Indian Airforce also part of the multilateral air exercise. Indian Air Force personnel look at a Rafale jet during the Pitch Black exercise in Australia. Photo: Royal Australia Air Force. The aircraft landed in India on Saturday after visiting Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore. Officials said around 100 French aviators, one Atlas A-400M military transport aircraft, one C-135 refuelling plane and an Airbus A310 cargo aircraft have also come to India along with the Rafale jets on a four-day visit. Indian Air Force personnel getting briefed by a French Air Force official on Rafale jets during the Pitch Black exercise in Australia. Photo: Royal Australia Air Force They said a batch of IAF pilots has got an opportunity to train on the Rafale jets. In a statement, the French embassy here said that joint flights and exchanges between the French and Indian Air Forces will be conducted as part of the four-day tour by the French contingent. IAF pilot gestures while getting trained on a Rafale jet during the Pitch Black exercise in Australia. Photo: Royal Australia Air Force "This mission in India is yet another illustration of the depth of the Indo-French strategic partnership, which is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year, and the great trust that prevails in the relations between our respective armed forces," it said. It said the operational aim of the 'Mision PEGASE' is to reinforce France's presence in the region of strategic interest and deepen its relations with its main partner countries. Indian Air Force personnel getting briefed by a French Air Force official on Rafale jets during the Pitch Black exercise in Australia. Photo: Royal Australia Air Force "This mission succeeds a major exercise in Australia, where our aircraft have carried out joint drills with those of the Indian Air Force," the French Embassy said. A senior IAF official said the visit of the Rafale jets, as well as other aircraft, will further boost cooperation between the two forces. (With PTI inputs)