IAF to Receive First Rafale Jet From France in 3rd Week of September: Reports

New Delhi, July 24: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to receive its first Dassault Aviation’s Rafale fighter jet in the third week of September. The date and time of the induction of the fighter jet into the IAF will take place according to the convenience of both the countries. Meanwhile, all the 36 fighter jet will be arrived in India by 2022. Rafale Deal Controversy: HAL Capable of Manufacturing Fighter Jets, Says Chairman R Madhavan.

According to a report published in Hindustan Times, in spite of the formal induction of the fighter jet in September, the first batch of four Rafale jets will fly to their home base in April-May next year. The IAF may receive the first jet on September 20. An IAF official on the condition of anonymity told the media house that the force has the French defence ministry that the first Rafale should be delivered between September 18 and 23.

India ordered 36 Rafale Jets, in September 2016 worth Rs 59,000 crore. The deal dated back to April 2015, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced to procure 36 French-manufactured Rafale fighter jets. What is Rafale Deal? All You Need To Know About French Fighter Jets Which Has Pitted Congress, BJP At Loggerheads.

Initially, the UPA government had proposed a deal of Rs 78,000 crore (approx.) for acquiring 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), Rafale Fighter jets but it was not finalised. However, in 2014, after the NDA government came to power scrapped the old proposed deal. The central government signed a new contract with the French government in 2016, to acquire 36 jets in ready to fly condition.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 24, 2019 04:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).