India’s Defence Minister officially welcomed the nation’s first Rafale fighter jet (RB-001) into the Indian Air Force (IAF) during a ceremony in France on October 8, 2019. This coincided with celebrations for the 87th Air Force Day. The receiving of this aircraft is part of an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) signed between India and France back in September 2016. An agreement worth €7.87 billion ($8.78 billion), it included the procurement of 36 Rafale multi-role fighter jets in a fly-away condition.
The Inter-Governmental Agreement
As stipulated in the IGA, delivery of the aircrafts should start 36 months from the signing of the contract, and be completed within 67 months. Hence, it is expected that by April or May of 2022, India will have received all 36 Rafale fighter jets. The designation “RB” in the aircraft marks the contribution of the IAF Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria towards the contract negotiations. Then serving as the Deputy Chief of the IAF, he led the Indian negotiation team.
About the Rafale Fighter Jets
Rafale fighter jets are twin-engine aircraft capable of operating from both an aircraft carrier and a shore base. These versatile machines can execute a wide array of combat aviation missions including achieving air superiority and air defense, close air support, in-depth strikes, reconnaissance and nuclear deterrence, along with anti-ship strikes. These capabilities make the Rafale jets a significant addition to any air force.
India’s Preparations for the Rafale Jets
In anticipation of the Rafale arrivals, the IAF has already undertaken necessary preparations. This includes setting up the required infrastructure and training pilots. Considered one of the most strategically located bases of the IAF, the Ambala air force station will be the primary deployment location for these aircrafts. The Indo-Pak border lies only about 220 km from this site. The second squadron of the Rafale fleet will be stationed at the Hasimara air base in West Bengal.
Fact Sheet on the Indian Air Force (IAF)
| Established | Personnel | Aircraft | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8th October 1932 | Around 170,000 | 1,500 | 4th |
The 87th Air Force Day
The Indian Air Force was officially established back on October 8, 1932. Currently boasting around 170,000 personnel and 1,500 aircraft, the IAF is the fourth largest air force globally, only surpassed by the US, Russia, and China. Each year, the Air Force Day is celebrated in the presence of the IAF chief and senior officials from the three armed forces at the Hindon air base. The Hindon Air Force Station, located near Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh, is the largest air base in Asia and the eighth largest worldwide. During the latest event, the IAF showcased its newest acquisitions, including the US-made Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and Apache attack helicopters, in a traditional flypast.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024