In an effort to hone combat-readiness of its Rafale jet fleet, IAF’s four Rafales recently carried out a “strategic” mission lasting more than six hours in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The sortie was a significant demonstration of the long range combat capabilities. The mission took place at a time when China has significantly increased its presence in the strategically important Indian Ocean.
Giving details of the mission, sources said here on Wednesday the Rafale jets took off from the Hasimara Air Force station in the eastern sector, carried out the mission involving various manoeuvres and simulated operations and returned to the base after meeting the desired results.
The mission by the four Rafale jets demonstrated their operational capabilities and readiness in dealing with various challenging situations, sources said but refrained from divulging details. The IAF also tweeted about the mission.
“Four IAF Rafales flew a long range mission for over six hours into the IOR. The aircraft ‘fought’ their way through a large force engagement en route to their Weapon Release Point. Pickle on time, weapon on target-the IAF way!” it said. The IAF too did not divulge the day of the operation.
The Rafale jets are India’s first major acquisition of fighter planes in 23 year after the Sukhoi jets were imported from Russia. The French manufactured Rafale jets are capable of carrying a range of potent weapons.
At present, the IAF has 36 Rafale jets with one squadron(a squadron has 18 jets) based at Ambala to look after the western sector including China and Pakistan and the other squadron in Hasimara, West Bengal to cover the entire eastern sector facing China.
Induction process of Rafale jets started in 2020 and ended last year. India and France inked a government to government deal in 2016 for acquiring 36 Rafale jets from its manufacturer Dassault. The deal is worth over 7 billion Euros.