The preparations of the Indian Air Force for 'Exercise Vayushakti 2024' are in full swing. It will take place on February 17 and all frontline aircraft, including the Rafale fighter jets.
All frontline aircraft, including the Rafale fighter jets and Prachand attack choppers, will take part in the Indian Air Force's Exercise Vayushakti, said Vice Chief Air Marshal AP Singh on Friday.
French Air Force Rafale fighter jets and multirole tanker transport aircraft will participate in the Republic Day parade, where French President Emmanuel Macron is the chief guest this year.
The Indian Air Force (IAF), soon after receiving information about the sighting of unidentified flying objects near the Imphal airport on Sunday, scrambled its Rafale fighter aircraft to search for them.
“The IAF has asked the original equipment manufacturer Dassault Aviation to integrate Indian-made weapons like the Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW) and the Astra air-to-air missile with the Rafale which has been in service with the IAF since 2020,” defence officials told ANI.
"This decision comes after a successful trial campaign held in India, during which the Navy Rafale demonstrated that it fully met the Indian Navy’s operational requirements and was perfectly suited to the specificities of its aircraft carrier," Dassault Aviation said.
Group Captain Abhishek Tripathi, Commanding Officer of 101 Squadron (Rafale) and the leader of the formation that will participate in the Bastille Day Flypast said, "It is a matter of pride for us that we have brought Rafale to France once again. The PM will be the Guest of Honour at the
Defence Ministry on Thursday approved plans to buy 26 Rafale fighter aircraft and three Scorpene class conventional submarines for the Indian Navy from France.
In a major development, the Defence Ministry today gave an initial nod to the plans to buy 26 Rafale fighter aircraft and three Scorpene class conventional submarines from France.
The proposals have been placed before the Defence Ministry by the defence forces and are likely to be announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France this week, government sources told ANI.