Rafale fighter jet for India: In a major boost to India's air defence preparedness, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has received the first batch of Rafale fighter jets from French aviation firm Dassault Aviation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally received the delivery of first of the 36 French-made Rafale aircraft from Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly on the occasion of Dussehra. The handover ceremony took place at Dassault Aviation facility in Merignac, located in southwestern France. Singh asserted that India did not purchase arms and other defence equipment to threaten any country but to increase its own capabilities and strengthen the defence set up. The 68-year-old Defence Minister performed a Shastra Puja on the new aircraft. Soon after the 'Puja', Singh changed into combat flight gear and flew a sortie on the Rafale. Here are 10 facts about the Rafale fighter jets for India and stunning images of the aircraft:
The French-made Rafale fighter jet is a high-precision Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft. This is said to be one of the most modern 4th generation aircraft. It has the capability to carry a mix of armament as well as deliver them accurately. Rafale fighter jets are built in such a way that they can ensure its own survivability with onboard systems itself. The design provides more chances of survival in a hostile air environment and ensures high maneuverability. (Image courtesy: Dassault Aviation – K. Tokunaga)
Rafale fighter jet has two engines and the capacity to carry up to three 2000 litres tanks on each of the wet points. The fighter jet has Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with a range of over 350 km. Rafale fighter jet has the look down shoot down capability. Rafale also has an integrated Electronic Warfare (EW) system. (Image courtesy: Dassault Aviation – K. Tokunaga)
Rafale fighter jet has the capability to carry up to six air-to-air missile (AAM), and six specialists bombs. Rafale will be integrated with MBDA Meteor BVRAAM beyond visual range air-to-air missile, and SCALP air-to-ground missiles. The BrahMos NG missile may also be integrated on to it. (Image courtesy: Dassault Aviation – K. Tokunaga)
Rafale has air-to-air refueling capabilities. It can refuel another aircraft in buddy mode. The Rafale for IAF has been manufactured based on India Specific Enhancements (ISE). (Image courtesy: Dassault Aviation – V. Almansa)
The Rafale fighter jets have several India-specific modifications. These include Israeli helmet-mounted displays, low band jammers, radar warning receivers, infra-red search and tracking systems, 10-hour flight data recording among others. (Image courtesy- Dassault Aviation – V. Almansa)
The handover ceremony of Rafale jet took place at Dassault Aviation facility in Merignac. In 2016, an agreement was signed between New Delhi and Paris for 36 Rafale aircraft at a cost of 7.8 billion Euro. (Image courtesy: Reuters)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh exuded confidence that the aircraft, which means 'aandhi' in Hindi or gust of wind, will live up to its name. The Defence Minister said that a large number of IAF officers and airmen are being trained in France for flying, maintenance support and logistics for handling Rafale. (AP Image)
The first batch of four Rafale jets out of total 36 will reach India by May 2020. All Rafale fighter jets are expected to arrive by 2022. Rajnath Singh, who did a sortie in the Rafale aircraft in France, stated that he expected the first 18 fighter jets to be delivered by February 2021. Rafale aircraft were procured through the Foreign Military Sales route (FMS). (PTI Photo)
India is the fourth country, after Egypt, France, and Qatar, to bolster its fleet with the Rafale fighter jets. Rafale is also the second French fighter, Indian Air Force will have in its fleet. IAF already has Mirage 2000 which is also French-made. (Image courtesy- Reuters)
36 Rafale fighter jets are likely to be based in Ambala in Punjab and Hasimara in West Bengal. Vice Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Harjit Singh Arora has said that in terms of guarding of two borders, Rafale aircraft would certainly provide the potent air defence that IAF required. He termed Rafale aircraft "by far the most potent platform for India's air defence". (Image courtesy- Reuters)
