The Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive the first batch of four Rafale jets next month. After extensive trials, these aircraft will be equipped with Meteor missile, SCALP ground attack missiles with a range of up to 300 kms by 2020. IAF pilots are undergoing training in France and will test these aircraft intensively for 1,500 hours, reported Financial Express. Watch Video of Rafale Jets Landing at Yelahanka Air Force Station to Participate in Bengaluru’s Aero India Show.

As per reports, the Rafale jets to be inducted next month will be based at Ambala Airbase in ‘Golden Arrows’ 17 Squadron close to Pakistan border. The other squadron of the French fighter jets are expected to be based out of Hashimara in West Bengal to counter China. Rafale Deal: Narendra Modi Led BJP Government Made 25 Percent Payment to France.

Rafale is a French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multirole fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation. Equipped with a wide range of weapons, the Rafale is intended to perform air supremacy, interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike and nuclear deterrence missions. It is also referred to as an “omnirole” aircraft by Dassault.

(Picture Courtesy: Twitter)