More power to Indian Air Force! Confirmed - 1st batch of 5 IAF Rafale to arrive in India on this date

According to a latest confirmation by Ministry of Defence on Induction of Rafale in Indian Air Force, 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, Ministry of Defence added.

However, Ministry of Defence made it clear that no media coverage is planned on arrival. The final induction ceremony will take place in second half of August 20 wherein full media coverage would be planned, as per Ministry of Defence.

Further, Ministry of Defence confirmed, "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."

On October 8, 2019, Rajnath Singh flew a sortie of the inducted Rafale aircraft in France. "The new Rafale Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) will make India stronger and will give a boost to its air dominance exponentially to ensure peace and security in the region," the minister had said during his address at the Rafale handing over ceremony at France's Merignac.

On June 2, France had reaffirmed its commitment to ensure timely delivery of Rafale aircraft despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. France's reaffirmation came when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had a telephonic conversation with French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly. They discussed matters of mutual concern including the Covid-19 situation, regional security and agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. Both ministers appreciated the efforts made by armed forces of India and France in fighting the pandemic. The Indian Defence Ministry had then said that France had reaffirmed its commitment to ensure timely delivery of Rafale aircraft despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.