The Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) first squadron equipped with Dassault Rafale multirole fighter aircraft is now complete after the final four aircraft arrived at Jamnagar Air Force Station (AFS) in western India on 21 April.
The aircraft, which flew non-stop from Dassault’s facility in Bordeaux–Merignac using in-flight refuelling provided by the air forces of France and the United Arab Emirates, are part of an order for 36 Rafales placed by the IAF in 2016 for EUR7.9 billion (USD9.5 billion).
The recently delivered fighters will be stationed at Ambala AFS in northern India – near India’s disputed border with Pakistan – where they will supplement 14 similar aircraft operated from that base by the IAF’s No 17 ‘Golden Arrow’ Squadron.
The final four of 18 Rafale fighters needed to complete the IAF’s No 17 ‘Golden Arrow’ Squadron at Ambala AFS arrived in India on 21 April. Delivery of 18 additional aircraft to equip the IAF’s second Rafale is expected to begin within the next few weeks. (Via Embassy of India in France)
Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhaduria, who is on a five-day visit to France until 23 April, had flagged off the four Rafales from Bordeaux-Merignac. At the ceremony the ACM said that by delivering the Rafales “a little bit” ahead of schedule, France has contributed to the IAF’s overall combat potential.
Within the next few weeks Dassault is expected to begin aircraft deliveries for the IAF’s second Rafale squadron, which will operate from Hasimara AFS in northeastern India, close to the country’s disputed border with China. These aircraft are set to be inducted into the IAF’s No 101 ‘Falcons’ Squadron, which will also comprise 18 fighters. Deliveries are likely to be completed by late 2022 or early 2023.
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