Five Rafale fighter Jets leave for India; See pictures
Five Rafale jets built by Dassault Aviation took flight from France for India on July 27 as part of the two countries' 36 fighter jet deal that was signed by the two countries in September 2016.
The Rafale fighter aircraft was flagged off on July 27 by the Indian Ambassador to France from an airbase in Merignac in France as part of the two countries' 36 fighter jet deal that was signed by the two countries in September 2016. (Image: IAF)
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The new Rafale jets add strategic depth and strength to India’s air combat capabilities. (Image: Twitter @Indian_Embassy)
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The twin-engine fighter jets took off from Dassault Aviation’s facility in Merignac, France. Indian Ambassador to France speaks to pilots at an airbase in Merignac in France. (Image: IAF)
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All the pilots have been trained on the aircraft by the French Dassault Aviation company as per the agreement signed for the biggest ever defence signed by India in 2016 for acquiring 36 Rafale jets for over Rs 60,000 crore. (Image: IAF)
Indian Ambassador to France visited the Rafale Assembly line, training facilities and interacted with officials from Dassault Aviation. (Image: Twitter @Indian_Embassy)
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The fighter jets will be refuelled on the way by a French Air Force tanker aircraft and take a stopover at UAE Al Dhafra airbase after which India will receive them on July 29. (Image: IAF)
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The five aircraft flying to India includes seven Indian pilots including the commanding officer of the 17 Golden Arrows squadron. (Image: IAF)
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Indian Ambassador to France with the Commanding Officer of the 17 Golden Arrows squadron which will be the first Rafale aircraft unit in the Indian Air Force. (Image: IAF)
Indian Ambassador to France visited the Rafale Assembly line, training facilities and interacted with officials from Dassault Aviation. (Image: Twitter @Indian_Embassy)
