First batch of five Rafale jets enters Indian air space, officials confirm

The first batch of 'game-changing' Rafale fighter jets have landed at Ambala, and will soon be inducted into the Indian Air Force, officials have said.

The five Rafale jets left the Merignac airbase in French port city of Bordeaux on Monday, and arrived in India after covering a distance of nearly 7,000 km.

On Monday, the Rafales landed at Al Dhafra airbase in the UAE after flying for over seven hours, officials said adding it was the only stopover by the jets while flying from France to India.



On their way to India from France, the jets were refuelled mid-air from a French tanker at a height of 30,000 feet.

The fleet, comprising three single seater and two twin seater aircraft will be officially inducted into the IAF as part of its No 17 Squadron, also known as the 'Golden Arrows', said one of the officials.

The aircraft are expected to significantly boost the IAF's combat capabilities at a time when India is locked in a tense border row with China in eastern Ladakh. The IAF has already deployed all its frontline fighter jets in key airbases along the Line of Actual Control, the de-faco border between India and China.

India had inked a Rs 59,000 crore deal on September 23, 2016 to procure 36 Rafale jets from French aerospace major Dassault Aviation.

The first Rafale jet was handed over to the IAF in October last year during a visit to France by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The first squadron of the Rafale jets will be stationed at Ambala air base.

Official sources said the Rafale jets are likely to be deployed in the Ladakh sector as part of IAF's efforts to enhance its operational capabilities along Line of Actual Control with China in view of the border row with the country.

The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal. The IAF spent around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangars and maintenance facilities at the two bases.

Out of 36 Rafale jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers.