Where Eagles dare. pic.twitter.com/JQDqKU9GvS
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 6, 2021
The IAF released the first images of armed Rafale fighter jets flying in Ladakh on Tuesday. The images show a Rafale aircraft, which was recently inducted into the force and is equipped with MICA air-to-air missiles on its wingtips.
Five Rafale fighter jets were inducted into the Indian Air Force at the Ambala air force base in September of last year.
“The introduction of Rafale jets sends a strong and clear message to the rest of the world, particularly those who seek to undermine our sovereignty. This type of induction is critical for the atmosphere that has developed along our borders “On the occasion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said
The second Rafale squadron will be based at the Hashimara Air Force base in West Bengal. The Indian Air Force will have more than 20 Rafale fighter jets by the time the second squadron is operational. The delivery of all 36 aircraft is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
Out of 36 Rafale jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers. The trainer jets will be twin-seater and they will have almost all the features of the fighter jets.
The Rafale is considered an omni-role aircraft, which means it can carry out at least four missions in one sortie simultaneously.
The rafale is battle hardened and has been used in Afghanistan, Libya and Syria and armed with potent weapon package the fighter jet is lethal.
If the need be Rafale can also be nuclear enabled making it more lethal. The fighter jet is armed with potent meteor and scalp missiles that will enhance air strike capabilities and air dominance of the Indian Air Force.