Third batch Indian Air Force Rafales delivered

According to planning, three more Dassault Rafale fighters were delivered to the Bharatiya Vayu Sena (IAF, Indian Air Force) on 27 January 2021.

The trio, serials BS006, BS007 and BS011, flew from France to Jamnagar Air Force Station without a stopover and arrived there in the dark hours. Most likely, the Rafales continued their journey the next day to their homebase at Ambala Air Force Station.

According to the information from the Indian Ministry of Defence, Airbus A330MRTT tanker aircraft from the United Arab Emirates Air Force (UAEAF) took care of (part of) the mid-air refueling of the three Rafales.

The fourth batch of seven Rafales is expected to be delivered in the second half of April 2021. The UAEAF will again provide mid-air refuelling for the fighters. With the delivery of the fourth batch, 17 Squadron Golden Arrows will have its full complement of eighteen aircraft. Further deliveries will continue to 1 Squadron Tigers at Jalpaguiri/Hashimara Air Force Station in the state of West Bangal in the northeast of the country close to Bhutan.

Photo: Indian Air Force