The second batch of Rafale jets arrive in India after a non-stop flight from France
In a big boost to Indian Air Force (IAF), three more Rafale jets have arrived from France on Wednesday after flying non-stop. IAF confirmed the news, "The second batch of Rafale aircraft arrived today evening at 8:14 PM after flying non-stop from France". The Rafale jets had taken off from Istres in France today morning and reached Jamnagar in Gujarat in the late evening. The Multirole fighter jets were accompanied by French Air Force's mid-air refueling aircraft. The three Rafale aircraft received three mid-air refueling to reach India from a French airbase. Reportedly, the aircraft took over 8 hours to reach India directly from France, showcasing its long-range operational capability. IAF now possesses a total of eight Rafale jets in service with the arrival of 3 more Multirole aircraft in India. The first batch of Rafale jets arrived in India on 28th July and was officially inducted at Ambala Air Base in Haryana on 10th September this year. The twin-engine Rafale fighter jets are manufactured by Dassault Aviation. India had signed government to government deal with France to procure 36 of these jets at a cost of ₹59,000 crores. Dassault is expected to deliver all 36 jets to India by the end of 2021. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly had attended the formal Rafale induction ceremony at Ambala Air Base in Haryana on 10th September. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Air Force Cheif Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria had graced the event.
