(This story has been republished from The Quint’s archives as the Rafale jets get inducted into the Indian Air Force on 10 September. This story was first published on 29 July 2020)
Video Producer: Hera Khan
Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam
Cameraperson: Abhishek Ranjan
Finally, Yeh Jo India Hai Na… it’s getting the Rafale, a 4.5 generation fighter jet.
Dassault Rafale is Indian Air Force’s most advanced fighter jet with:
- Most Advanced AESA Radar System
- Anti-Detection System, Spectra
- BVR Meteor Air-To-Air Missiles
- Air-To-Ground Scalp Cruise Missiles
It’s great for air-to-air combat, ground support, deep strikes, anti-ship and nuclear deterrence missions. The Rafale is that fully state-of-the-art medium multi-role combat aircraft that India has needed for years.
And literally, it has taken many many years. India’s hunt for a 4.5 generation Multi-Role Combat fighter started in 2004. It was to be acquired by 2011. Instead it took 16 years. Even now, it’s just 5 aircraft. India’s first full-strength, fully equipped, fully operational Rafale squadron of 18 aircraft will only be ready in March 2021, and the second squadron, only by April 2022.