The first batch of five Rafale aircraft coming from France has reached the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Rafael planes flying to India from France’s Marinec airbase flew for 7 hours continuously.
- Rafael will reach India by covering a distance of seven thousand kilometers on 29th
- Rafale to be included in Indian Air Force fleet in Ambala
The first batch of five Rafale aircraft coming from France has reached the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Rafael planes flying to India from France’s Marinec airbase flew for 7 hours continuously. Five of the planes included in the first batch of Rafale planes landed safely at Al Dafra Airport in the United Arab Emirates.
The landing of the aircraft at the UAE’s Al Dafra Airport was done to rest the pilots. These five Rafale aircraft will reach India by covering a distance of seven thousand kilometers on July 29. Where they are to be included in the Indian Air Force fleet at Ambala.
On reaching Ambala, Rafale aircraft will be equipped with missile systems. Rafale is to be equipped with Scalp, Meteor and Hammer missiles. It is said that one squadron of Rafale will remain in Ambala, while the other will be stationed in Hashimara in West Bengal.
Significantly, an agreement was reached with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale aircraft in the year 2016. This is the first consignment of Rafale aircraft to be received by India after this agreement. Due to the corona there was a slight delay in delivery of the aircraft. According to the agreement, India has to get 36 Rafale aircraft in two years.
It is expected that by December 2021, all 36 Rafale aircraft will be delivered to India from France. Earlier, Rafale planes flew to India from France’s Marinec airbase. India’s Ambassador to France Javed Ashraf was also present at the airbase on this occasion.
The Indian Ambassador met the pilots and wished them well, and also congratulated Rafael’s producer Dassault Aviation. Explain that in the year 2016, the Government of India had signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale aircraft. The Congress has been attacking the NDA government, accusing it of rigging in the Rafale plane deal. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi had also raised the issue of Rafael deal vigorously in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
