A French Armée de l’Air Rafale at Aero India 2011 | Photo: Shashanka Nanda/StratPost
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is to receive the first five of 36 Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft next week.
According to a statement issued by the IAF, “The first batch of five Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale is likely to arrive in India by end July 2020. The aircraft will be inducted at Air Force Station Ambala on 29 July subject to weather.”
The aircraft were ordered in September 2016 in a INR 59,000 crore (~USD 7.8 billion) order.
“The final induction ceremony will take place in second half of August 2020,” said the IAF, which also added, “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.”
The aircraft include in their weaponry the Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile, SCALP cruise missile and the MICA missile.
The arrival of the aircraft will take place shortly after the Air Force Commanders’ Conference (AFCC) from 22 July – 24 July 2020 at New Delhi.
While the IAF says the theme of the conference is “IAF in the Next Decade”, there is no question force readiness in the context of the standoff with the Chinese PLA in Ladakh will be on top of the minds of the brass.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to inaugurate the AFCC. According to the IAF, “During the three day conference the discussions would take stock of the current operational scenario & deployments. The plan of action for operational capability enhancement of the IAF in the next decade will also be discussed.”
Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria will chair the conference.
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