IAF Adds Second Batch Of Rafale To The Fleet After Jets Come Flying Non-Stop From France

The first batch of five jets had arrived in India on July 29 -- nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of these aircraft at a cost of ₹ 59,000 crores.

New Delhi: The Indian Air-Force added the second batch of Rafale jets, to the fleet which is meant to add muscle to the Indian Armed Forces. The second batch arrived in India after flying non-stop from France, upon the arrival the Air Force tweeted this evening. Four jets were expected to arrive from France in the second Lot.

“The second batch of IAF #Rafale aircraft arrived in India at 8:14 pm on 04 Nov 20 after flying non-stop from France”, the tweet quoted.

The first batch of five jets had arrived in India on July 29 -- nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of these aircraft at a cost of ₹ 59,000 crores.

The Rafale jets are the first western combat aircraft to join the fleet of the Indian Air Force, 23 years after the Sukhoi aircraft from Russia -- had landed on a special water cannon salute at the Ambala airbase.

"Welcome home 'Golden Arrows'. Blue skies always," the Indian Air Force tweeted with a photo of the Rafales in the "Arrow formation".

The fleet, comprising three single-seater and two twin-seater aircraft, were to be part of the No. 17 Squadron of the Air Force, also known as the ''Golden Arrows'. ALSO READ | US Elections: Special Pooja For Kamala Harris In Her Ancestors' Village In Tamil Nadu Amid Vote Count

The fighter aircraft is equipped with HAMMER missiles. It will also be armed with visual range missiles like Meteor, SCALP, and MICA, increasing their ability to take on incoming targets from a distance.

Besides, the induction of 16 additional Rafale fighters by April 2021 will add to the IAF’s strike capability. The 16 Omni-role Rafale jet fighters will be inducted into the Golden Arrows squadron by April 2021, as per sources.