India is all set to induct the second batch of Rafale jets. An IAF team lead with two-star Officer is situated in France to supervise the logistical affairs and review the training of a hand-picked group of pilots at the Saint-Dizier airbase.
The first batch of five Rafale jets arrived India on July 29, almost four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to purchase 36 of these aircraft at a cost of ₹ 59,000 crores, the officials mentioned that the second batch of fighter jets is expected to arrive in the next few weeks.
Further Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria added that the induction of all 36 Rafale jets will be completed by 2023, as IAF is expecting delivery of three or four Rafale jets in every two months.
Looking forward to this progress Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, ‘the induction of Rafale jets is a big and stern message for the entire world, mainly to those examining our sovereignty. This kind of induction is very important for the ongoing atmosphere that has been created on our borders.’Further, he added with the change in the time it’s important to prepare beforehand.
As per reports, the Rafale jets are being set off by the IAF in the Ladakh theatre, as their military is on high alert to deal with any goading by China even as military and diplomatic talks have failed to reduce friction in the sensitive Ladakh theatre.
IAF shared detailed Information that India’s enhancements on the Rafales include a helmet-mounted sight, radar warning receivers, flight data recorders with storage for 10 hours of data, infrared search and track systems, jammers, cold engine start capability to operate from high-altitude bases, and towed decoys to ward off incoming missiles.
Besides this, the twin-engine jet is capable of carrying out a variety of missions like ground and sea attack, air defense and air superiority, reconnaissance, and nuclear strike deterrence. It can carry almost 10 tonnes of weapons.
