Three Rafale jets of French Air Force are in India for past two days, giving Indian Air Force pilots an opportunity to fly the metal birds, which would enter the country's service next year.
The aircraft were on their way back home after participating in Exercise Pitch Black in Australia last month. They landed at Agra and Gwalior base of the IAF on Saturday.
Along with the combat jets, one Atlas A-400M military transport aircraft, one C-135 refuelling aircraft, and one Airbus A310 cargo aircraft too have come as a part of the detachment.
The aircraft are in India as a part of Mission Pegase of the French Air Force to reinforce France's presence in this region of strategic interest and deepen its relations with its main partner countries, says the French Embassy in a statement.
The mission succeeds a major exercise in Australia, where French aircraft carried out joint drills with those of the Indian Air Force.
Joint flights
"During the three-day stopover at the Air Force Stations of Gwalior and Agra, joint flights and exchanges between the French and Indian Air Forces will be conducted," says the statement. The fighters will fly out on Tuesday.
"This mission in India is yet another illustration of the depth of the Indo-French strategic partnership, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year," it adds.
India purchased 36 Rafale fighter jets from France in a Rs 59,000 crore government-to-government deal. The first aircraft is expected in India next year.
Dailyhunt
No comments:
Post a Comment