Embassy of India at Paris: India took significant step in strengthening air power and defense preparedness with the first five Rafale fighter aircraft, built by Dassault, flying out from Merignac airbase in Bordeaux, France to India today. This also marks a new milestone in the strong and growing India-Frane defense cooperation.

The Rafale aircraft will cover a distance of nearly 7,000 kms from France to India with air-to-air refueling and a single stop en route in UAE. They are scheduled to reach India n July 29. The first Rafale fighter was handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in October 2019 in a ceremony attended by the French Minister for Armed Forces Madame Florence Parly and the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Delivery of ten aircraft has been completed on schedule. Five will stay back in France for training mission. The delivery of all thirty six aircraft will be completed on schedule by the end of 2021.

In accordance with the contract, Indian Air Force pilots and supporting personnel have been provided full training on aircraft and weapon systems by Dassault. Further batches of Indian Air Force personnel wiwll continue the training over the next nine months.

India’s Ambassador to France Jawed Ashraf was there to see off the Rafale aircraft. He said that the long awaited and much needed two squadrons of Rafale would add great strenth to IAF and our defence capabilities. He met the Indian Air Force pilots and wished them a safe flight to India. he congratulated them on becoming the first India pilots to fly one of the world’s most advanced and potent fighter aircraft and wished them success in meeting the nation’s expectation of playing an important role in India’s defence. He also thanked French Air Force for support and Dassault for delivering the aircraft on schedule despite the ongoing pandemic crisis. Mr. Eric Trappier, Chairman Dassault Aviation and Air Commodore Hilal Ahmad Rather, the Air Attache to France, were also present on the occasion apart from other officials.

India and France have a long history of cooperation in fighter aircraft, which includes India’s acquisition of French Toofanis in 1952, then Mystere, Jaguars and the Mirages.

Ina gesture of friendship, Government of France will send an aircraft with medical equipment and experts on July 26 to support India’s efforts against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Indian Air Force statement on Ferry of Rafale:

The first five Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafales have taken off from Dassault Aviation Facility, Merignac, France, today morning. These five include three single seater and two twin seater aircraft.

The ferry of the aircraft is planned in two stages and will be undertaken by the pilots of the IAF, who have undergone comprehensive training on the aircraft. The Air to Air Refuelling planned during the first leg of the ferry will be undertaken by these pilots with dedicated tanker support from the French Air Force.

The aircraft are likely to arrive at Air Force Station, Ambala, on 29 Jul 20 subject to weather. No 17 Squadron, the “Golden Arrows”, is being raised at this base equipped with Rafale aircraft.

DeshGujarat