NEW DELHI, 22 July 2021, (TON):  In a major boost for the Indian Air Force (IAF), three more Rafale fighter jets arrived in India after flying non-stop from France.

IAF said that the aircraft were provided mid-air refuelling by the air force of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

IAF said in a tweet "three Rafale aircraft arrived in India a short while ago, after a direct ferry from Istres Air Base, France. IAF deeply appreciates the support by UAE Air Force for in-flight refuelling during the non-stop ferry."

Three Rafale aircraft arrived in India a short while ago, after a direct ferry from #IstresAirBase, France.

IAF deeply appreciates the support by UAE Air Force for in-flight refuelling during the non-stop ferry.

The second squadron will start operations by July-end at Hashimara Air Force Base in West Bengal, with the Rafale aircraft that have already arrived in Ambala flying there from next week.

The first Rafale squadron is based in the Ambala air force station. It had already started patrolling the borders with China in eastern Ladakh and other areas.

The squadron in Hashimara would give a major boost to air preparedness against the Chinese Air Force as it will bring a number of Chinese airfields in close range of the Indian aircraft.