Amid tensions with China in eastern Ladakh, three more Rafale fighter jets arrived in India on Wednesday, the Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed. The second batch of Rafale aircraft arrived on Wednesday evening at 8:14 pm after flying non-stop from France. The Rafale jets took off from Istres in France today morning and reached Jamnagar in Gujarat. The fighter jets were accompanied by French Air Force's mid-air refuelling aircraft.

The three Rafale fighter aircraft took off from the French airbase and reached India after three mid-air refuelling en route. The aircraft took over 8 hours to reach directly from France showcasing the long-range operational capability of the Air Force.

With the arrival of three more omni-role aircraft, the IAF will now have eight Rafale jets in service.

The first batch of five Rafales flew into India on July 28 and was officially and they were officially inducted in September at Ambala Air Base in Haryana on September 10.

The Rafale fighter jets have been manufactured by French giant Dassault Aviation. India has signed an inter-governmental deal with France to buy 36 of these jets at a cost of Rs 59,000. All the birds are expected to reach India by the end of 2021.

The first batch of Rafale jets were formally inducted into the IAF with a spectacular event at Ambala airbase. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, French Defence Minister Florence, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria had attended the event.

IAF's Sarang aerobatic team showcased a breathtaking display, indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas conducted sorties marked the ceremony. The mega event also witnessed spectacular air display of Rafale fighter aircraft flanked by SU-30 and Jaguar aircraft in an arrow formation.

Currently, the IAF's fighter jet arsenal comprises of Rafale, Sukhois, LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000s and MIGs.

The air force is also equipped with Apaches and Chinooks helicopters and transport aircraft like the C-130Js and C-17 Globemasters.

Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Rudra, Mi-35 a twin-engine turboshaft, assault, anti-armour, IL-76 also referred to as “Gajraj” are also part of IAF's arsenal.

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