A fifth consignment of Rafale fighter jets has arrived in India from France. The consignment includes four Rafale fighter jets. The consignment was sent to India by Air Force Chief RKS Bhadauria from France’s Marignac-Bordeaux airbase on Wednesday. According to the Air Force, the four planes have covered a distance of 8,000 km and reached India. The planes have reached Jamnanagar Airbase in Gujarat.
The Air Force said in a statement that Rafale was refueled by mid-air French and UAE fuel tankers while flying from France. The Air Force chief is currently on an official visit to France. In France, the Air Chief Marshal met with the Chief of the French Air Force and met with Indian pilots and engineering crews undergoing training there.
Amid ongoing tensions with China over the LAC, a second squadron of Raphael Jets will be deployed in Hashimara, West Bengal. The Hashimara Main Operating Base, very close to the China-Bhutan Tri-junction, will be completed in April. At the same time, it is learned that India is going to receive the next shipment of Rafale fighter jets from France by next month. The consignment includes about half a dozen Rafale fighter jets. All of them will be deployed at Hashimara base. India has so far received 11 Rafale fighter jets from France.
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