IAF said in a tweet that the second batch of Rafale aircraft arrived in India on Wednesday. “Second batch of IAF #Rafale aircraft arrived in India at 8:14 pm on 04 Nov 20 after flying non-stop from France,” the Indian Air Force (IAF) stated.
This second batch of three Rafale aircraft took off from a French airbase and reached India after three mid-air refuelling en route. The Rafale aircraft covered the distance from France to India in a span of eight hours, showcasing the IAF’s long-range operational capability.
Sharing a video of the second batch of Rafale aircraft landing in India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a tweet, “The IAF pilots brought home the second batch of three Rafale aircraft today after flying non-stop from France in a ferry that lasted for over 8 hours. RM @rajnathsingh congratulates @IAF_MCC for successfully accomplishing a highly complex mission in a professional & safe manner.”
Sources in the central government told India Today earlier that the second batch of three Rafale jets will be operationalised within a few days in light of the ongoing military standoff in eastern Ladakh.
