IAF's Sukhoi Su-30MKIs escort five Rafale jets, give ceremonial welcome at Ambala airbase - In pics
The much-awaited first batch of India's five Rafale fighter jets entered the Indian air space on the morning of July 29 and were given a ceremonial welcome by Indian Air Force's Sukhoi Su-30MKIs.
Ambala: The much-awaited first batch of India's five Rafale fighter jets entered the Indian air space on the morning of July 29 and were given a ceremonial welcome by Indian Air Force's Sukhoi Su-30MKIs.
The 'golden arrows' then landed at the Ambala Air Force base in the afternoon.
The jets that took off from the Merignac airbase in French port city of Bordeaux on July 27 covered a distance of around 6300 km with air-to-air refueling and a single stop in the United Arab Emirates.
The Rs 59,000-crore deal of 36 Rafale jets between the Indian and French governments was signed in the year 2016.
As per an official statement, the delivery of 10 aircraft has been completed as slated and five will stay back in France for training missions. All the 36 aircraft (30 fighter and six trainers) will be reportedly delivered by the end of 2021.
Also see | IAF Rafale jets get mid-air refueling at 30,000 feet; check pics
(Photo Credits: Twitter/@IAF_MCC and Twitter/@DefenceMinIndia)
Rafale fighter aircraft being escorted by IAF's Sukhoi Su-30MKIs
New Rafale fighter aircraft flying over Indian air space
Rafale jet makes touchdown at Ambala Air Force base
