The third batch of three Rafale fighter jets landed in India on Wednesday evening after it took off from France for a non-stop flight to India. The jets flew over 7000km with in-flight refuelling.
“The third batch of three Rafale aircraft landed at an IAF base a short while ago. They flew over 7000Km with in-flight refuelling. The aircraft got airborne earlier in the day from #IstresAirBase in France. IAF deeply appreciates the tanker support provided by UAE Air Force,” the IAF tweeted on Wednesday.
“Three more Rafale jets take off from France for a non-stop flight to India with mid-air refuelling by UAE MRTT; Adding more strength to India’s air power. Wishing our amazing pilots smooth flight&safe landing with superb fighter jets,” the Indian embassy in France earlier tweeted.”
The first batch of five Rafales arrived in India in July 2020 and was officially inducted in September at Ambala Air Base in Haryana.
The second batch of three Rafale jets arrived in India in November last year.
On January 26, the newly-inducted Rafale jets took part in the Republic Day flypast for the first time.