NEW DELHI:
The Indian Air Force is said to be preparing to create a Rafael Fighter Jet squadron at Hasimara Airbase in West Bengal to strengthen the country's air defense capability on its eastern border.
The IAF has already postponed the programme owing to the horrifying spike in coronavirus infections. Currently, it intends to construct a sophisticated air defence system to counter any potential danger from China, with which India has a strained relationship.
According to reports, the Air Force has been preparing to create the second Rafael squadron at the Airbase since the pandemic situation has improved. In 2016, India agreed to pay Rs. 59 thousand crores for 36 double-engine Rafael jets from France.
Meanwhile, India acquired 23 fighter planes and established a squadron at the Ambala Airbase. So far, the unit, known as the Golden Arrows Squadron, has received 11 Rafael fighters. The fleet's ceremonial induction ceremony took place on September 10th in Ambala.
"All the 36 fighter jets are likely to join the IAF's defence system by the year-end," sources told.
On November 3, the second batch of three Rafale planes landed in India, while the third batch of three fighters joined the IAF on January 27.
According to reports, the second Rafale squadron would be raised at Hasimara's next main operational base (MOB) in mid-April this year. More Rafale jets are anticipated to arrive in India in the coming months from France.
The Rafale fighters are India's first significant procurement of jet fighters in 23 years, after the import of Sukhoi jets from Russia.
The Rafale planes can carry a variety of powerful armaments. The Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile, Scalp cruise missile, and MICA weapons system from European missile manufacturer MBDA will be the core of the Rafale planes' armament package.
The IAF is also acquiring a new generation medium-range modular air-to-ground weapon system called Hammer, which will be integrated with Rafale planes. Safran's Hammer (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a precision-guided missile.
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