Indian Air Force's Second Rafale aircraft squadron to get operational by July 26

Source: ANI

In a major boost to the Indian Air force (IAF) along the China border in northeast India, the second Rafale fighter aircraft squadron to get operational by July 26. The 101 squadron, to be stationed in Hashimara, would be responsible for the eastern border with China, while the 17 squadron, based in Ambala, will be taking care of the northern border with China in Ladakh, and other territories, along with Pakistan. Within days of their arrival in July, the Rafale aircraft were operationalized in the service and deployed for air patrols along the eastern front with China. The new squadron would work alongside the fleet of Su-30 squadrons, already deployed in substantial numbers in the eastern sector. The IAF so far has received 25 of the 36 ordered Rafale aircraft from France to date, with more expected to be delivered in the next few months. The twin-engine Rafale jets are capable of carrying out a variety of ground and sea-based missions, including air defence, air superiority, reconnaissance, and nuclear strike deterrence.