NEW DELHI, 02 February 2022, (TON): The Indian Air Force (IAF) received three of the last four Rafale fighter jets, as reported by Hindustan Times earlier. The fighter planes were handed over by France at Istres-Le Tube air base of Rafale manufacturer Dassault Aviation, and is situated north-west of Marseille.

After this, the IAF will wait for the right opportunity to take the fighter jets to India between February 15 and 20.

According to people aware of the developments “the handed over planes will now be test-checked for all the details. The fighter jets are expected to arrive in India between February 15 and 16, the people cited above said.”

Former chief of integrated defence staff Lt Gen (Retd) Satish Dua said the Indian Army has taken path breaking strides as far as defence preparedness is concerned.

When they fly out of France, these fighter jets will receive mid-air refueling by the air force of India’s close ally, the United Arab Emirates, using Airbus multi-role transport tankers.

These Rafale fighter jets are fully equipped with India specific enhancements, which will give them extra teeth to fight any regional adversary.