Five Raphael's will arrive on July 29, likely to be deployed on the Ladakh front

New Delhi, July 21, 2020, Tuesday

Raphael planes are being counted on to join the Indian Air Force to increase its strength.

According to reports, the first five Rafale aircraft are expected to arrive in India on July 29. A ceremony may be held in the second week of August to formally induct them into the Air Force.

The Air Force said that all the training of Air Force pilots and ground staff on aircraft has been completed. Once the aircraft arrives in India, it is likely to be deployed on the Eastern Ladakh front so that the Indian Air Force can further strengthen its capabilities against China.

According to Air Force officials, the Indian Air Force will be strengthened after Raphael's arrival. A three-day conference of top Air Force commanders is scheduled to begin on Wednesday to discuss how to strengthen the Air Force over the next decade.

India has struck a deal with France to buy 36 Rafale aircraft for Rs 58,000 crore.