The second batch of Rafale fighter jets to join IAF in November first week

New Delhi: Indian Air Force is set to welcome the second batch of Rafale fighter jets as the multi-role fighter jets are set to arrive in November first week, news agency ANI reported on the basis of highly placed government sources. "3-4 Rafale fighter jets will be arriving at the Ambala base in Haryana by the first week of November. The new additions are expected to boost the offensive capabilities of the Indian Air Force" said sources.

The first batch of the jets arrived on July 28, which were officially inducted on September 10 in presence of the French Defence Minister Florence Parry and Indian Chief Of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat along with the IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria. Soon after the induction, Rafale fighter jets have been deployed in the current conflict zone of Ladakh.

The news agency ANI report cites government sources saying, "The second batch of 3-4 Rafale fighter jets would be arriving in India by the first week of November from France and preparations are on for their arrival in the country."

"With the induction of these aircraft, the IAF would have 8-9 fighter aircraft which will be operationalised within a few days in view of the ongoing situation," they said.

As part of an annual meeting, an IAF team headed by Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects) Air Vice Marshal N Tiwari is in France for reviewing the project. Indin pilots are expected to train there till March 2021.

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One squadron each of the new Rafale will be deployed by the Indian Air Force at its airbases in Ambala in Haryana and Hashimara in West Bengal.

In September of 2016, India signed a deal with the French government and Dassault Aviation to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets for over 7.8 billion euros to arrest the fall of combat squadrons and meet urgent requirements on the eastern and western fronts.

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