Three more Rafale multi-combat fighter jets to Indian Air Force

In a major boost to the Indian Air Force, three more Rafale multi-combat fighter jets are expected to arrive shortly. The flights will arrive at Ambala Airport directly from the Bordeaux-Merignac facility to become part of the Indian Golden Autumn. They will also be accompanied by French Air Force fighter and mid-air refueller. The Air Force has completed the preparations to welcome the aircraft. A team of experts led by Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects) is coordinating the logistical issues for receiving the three combat jets. The air force pilots are being trained in batches in France at Saint-Dizier air base. Earlier, five Rafale jets were inducted at the IAF’s Ambala airbase on September 10. With their arrival, the total number of Rafale aircraft in the Indian Air Force will reach eight. Under the 2016 agreement, India will get 36 Rafale jet from France as part of a Rs 59000 crore deal.