Ambala gets ready to receive first 5 IAF Rafale jets
Tribune News Service
Ambala, July 27
Ambala is getting ready to receive first five Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighter jets, which took off from Dassault Aviation Facility, Merignac, France, on Monday morning.
No. 17 Squadron, the “Golden Arrows”, has been raised at IAF base in Ambala Cantonment to equip Rafale aircraft on Wednesday, a senior functionary of Ministry of Defence said here.
She said the first five IAF Rafales, arriving here, include three single-seater and two twin-seater aircraft.
The functionary disclosed that ferry of the aircraft was planned in two stages and will be undertaken by the pilots of the IAF, who have undergone comprehensive training on the aircraft.
The Air-to-Air Refuelling planned during the first leg of the ferry will be undertaken by these pilots with dedicated tanker support from the French Air Force.
“The aircrafts are likely to arrive at Air Force Station in Ambala on Wednesday subject to weather. No. 17 Squadron, the ‘Golden Arrows’, is being raised at this base equipped with Rafale aircraft,” she added.
