The first batch of five Rafale jets on Monday flew out of France and will arrive in India on Wednesday, July 29, following which the jets will officially join the Indian Air Force fleet in Haryana’s Ambala.
The fighter jets, manufactured by France-based Dassault Aviation, are twin-engine multi-role fighter aircraft. These are nuclear capable and can engage in both air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks.
The first Rafale fighter jet was delivered in September last year, Ajay Kumar, secretary to the department of defence production, said. French Ambassador to India, Alexandre Ziegler had then said all the 36 Rafale jets will be delivered to the Indian Air Force within the next two years.
