Rated amongst one of the top air forces in the world, the Indian Air Force is going to hold a big multinational aerial exercise over its western desert which will include forces from countries including the US.
"During the maiden edition of the exercise, a wide spectrum of operations at sea such as surface Warfare involving tactical firing and drills for Missile engagements, close-quarter manoeuvres, Advanced Air Defence Exercise with French Rafale and UAE Dash 8 MPA, Helicopter Cross Landing Opera
"Four IAF Rafales flew a long-range mission for over six hours into the IOR. The aircraft "fought" through a large force engagement en route to their Weapon Release Point," Indian Air Force stated.
Amid the ongoing standoff with China along the Northern borders, Indian Air Force's first and only female Rafale fighter pilot Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh praised the performance of her aircraft in the high altitude area.
India is preparing to send a military contingent including fighter aircraft to take part in the French National Day parade where Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be the guest of honour.
Indian Air Force's first female pilot to fly the Rafale combat aircraft is also part of the Indian Air Force contingent taking part in Exercise Orion in France.
The sixth edition of Cope India-2023, an Air Exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and United States Air Force (USAF), conducted over the last two weeks at Air Force Stations Kalaikunda, Panagarh and Agra, concluded on Monday.
Taking to Twitter, France Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said, "France warmly welcomes the @IAF_MCC contingent that will take part in exercise #Orion2023 from today! French & Indian #Rafale jets will soon fly together in the skies of France."
"Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets are likely to fly to France to participate in Exercise Orion being held at a French air base there. The wargames are planned to be held from the third week of April to May 5," defence officials told ANI.
Union Minister Gajendra Shekhawat on Tuesday, attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and said that just like the issue of Rafale failed in 2018, the 'Adani issue' being raised by the opposition will also fail.