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Rafale Fighter Jets set to reach India
Nearly four years ago India and France inked an inter-governmental agreement to supply 36 of the multi-role jets to Indian Air Force (IAF). A lot was debated about corruption in the Rafale deal, but the first batch of fighter jet is set to reach India on July 29.
Credit: Twitter/IAF_MCC
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IAF announces first batch of Rafale Fighter jets
IAF announced that the first batch of Rafale Fighter jets would arrive in India by end July 2020. The aircraft would be inducted at Air Force Station Ambala on 29 July and the final induction ceremony would take place in second half of August 20.
Credit: Twitter/IAF_MCC
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IAF aircrew and ground crew undergo comprehensive training
IAF aircrew and ground crew have undergone comprehensive training on the aircraft, including its highly advanced weapons systems and are fully operational now. Post arrival, efforts will focus on operationalisation of the aircraft at the earliest.
Credit: Twitter/IAF_MCC
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five jets land safely in United Arab Emirates
As announced by the IAF, the five jets - 3-single seater, and 2-double seater planes - landed safely in United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s Al Dhafra airbase yesterday after a 7-hour flight from France. These jets will be delivered in India.
Credit: Twitter/IAF_MCC
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IAF releases some photos of Rafale Jets
The IAF tweeted some photos of Rafale on Jul 27 and captioned them with, The first 5 #IAF #Rafales have taken off from Dassault Aviation Facility, Merignac, #France today morning. These 5 include 3 single-seater and 2 twin-seater aircraft. The ferry is planned in two stages & is being undertaken by IAF pilots. #RafaleJet.”
Credit: Twitter/IAF_MCC
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Air Refuelling planned during the first leg of the ferry
The IAF added, “Air to Air Refuelling planned during the first leg of the ferry will be undertaken by dedicated Tanker support from French Air Force. The aircraft are likely to reach AF Stn Ambala on 29 Jul 20. No 17 Sqn, 'The Golden Arrows', is being raised at #Ambala with #Rafale aircraft.”
Credit: Twitter/IAF_MCC
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Refueling of Rafale takes place over the Mediterranean
According to the reports, the first visuals of midair refueling of Rafale were taken on July 27 over the Mediterranean when it was on its way to Al Dhafra base. The next stop is India.
Credit: Twitter/IAF_MCC
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Wing Commander Hilal Ahmed is first Indian Pilot to fly Rafale
The first Pilot to fly Rafale is Wing Commander Hilal Ahmed Rather from Anantnag, Kashmir. He has won Sword of honour in NDA when he passed out and is presently one of finest fighter pilot of India.
Credit: Twitter/IAF_MCC
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Hilal Ahmed played an important role in the smooth delivery
India’s Ambassador to France Ashraf Jawed and India’s Air Attaché Air Commodore Hilal Ahmad Rather in the cockpit of Rafale before it left for India. Indian Air Force Officer Hilal who is originally from Anantnag in Kashmir played an important role in the smooth delivery.
Credit: Twitter
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People across Indian thrilled over arrival of Rafale fighter Jets
The news about the arrival of Rafale fighter Jets has thrilled the people across the country, who are curiously waiting to see their induction. Some political leaders took to Twitter to share their excitement and said that they will bring fresh energy to the IAF.
Credit: Twitter
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Subramanian Swamy on Rafale fighter Jets
Subramanian Swamy tweeted, "This insistence on fitting Meteor Missile on Rafale was due Parrikar. Throughout 2015 and 2016 he kept me informed of the changes he was insisting in Rafale--because I was a member of the Defence Standing Committee of Parliament. He was a IIT B Tech and knew aeronautics.
Credit: Twitter
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B L Santhosh on Rafale fighter Jets
B L Santhosh tweeted, "Two big events of long term impact today. PM @narendramodi inaugurated state of the art @ICMRDELHI led laboratories in NOIDA , Mumbai & Kolkata capable of testing 10K samples a day. 5 #Rafale fighter aircrafts are on way to Ambala airbase. Both pathbreaking.
Credit: Twitter
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Darshana Jardosh on Rafale fighter Jets
Darshana Jardosh tweeted, "First batch of 5 #Rafale fighter aircrafts fly out from Merignac, France to India. They will add to the firepower & strike capabilities of the @IAF_MCC.
@narendramodi govt speeded up its procurement after UPA govts were indecisive despite pressing requirement of the jets."
Credit: Twitter
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Y Satya Kumar on Rafale fighter Jets
Y Satya Kumar tweeted, "As fighter jet #Rafale sets its flight to India from France, it brings with itself hope and strength for the @IAF_MCC."
Credit: Twitter
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R Rajagopalan on Rafale fighter Jets
R Rajagopalan tweeted, "Rafale aircrafts when they touch down Ambala on July 29-what a feel? A proud moment 130 crores Indians. One negative soul who created a dust against #RafaleJets due internally burning animosity against @narendramodi @PMOIndia quietly left for a foreign soil. Reply Guess who’s he?
Credit: Twitter