New Delhi: The first five Rafale fighter aircraft, built by Dassault, France’s top defence aircraft manufacturer, flew out from Merignac airbase in Bordeaux, France to India on Monday, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
The IAF has been quiet on the exact configuration of the aircraft coming to India but sources indicated that two of the five fighters are twin-seaters used for training.
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“First batch of 5 Rafale fighter aircrafts fly out from Merignac, France to India. They will add to the firepower & strike capabilities of the IAF. Modi govt prioritised and expedited its procurement after UPA govts were indecisive despite pressing requirement of the jets,” tweeted BJP.
First batch of 5 #Rafale fighter aircrafts fly out from Merignac, France to India.
They will add to the firepower & strike capabilities of the IAF.
Modi govt prioritised and expedited its procurement after UPA govts were indecisive despite pressing requirement of the jets. pic.twitter.com/7ZT6AEKEf7
— BJP (@BJP4India) July 27, 2020
“These 5 Rafale jets are extremely swift, versatile and very deadly aircraft. They are both beauty and the beast. I would like to thank Dassault for delivering the aircraft on time and French Government and French Air Force for all the support,” Indian Ambassador to France Jawed Ashraf said.
The Rafale aircraft are scheduled to reach India on July 29, 2020, covering a distance of nearly 7,000 km with air-to-air refuelling and a single stop en route in UAE.
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