“Appreciate the support provided by French Air Force for our Rafale journey back home,” the Indian Air Force said on Tuesday, 28 July, reported ANI, as images of Rafale fighter jets being refuelled mid-air, en route Ambala, emerged.

The aircraft were refuelled by a French Air Force tanker aircraft, while they were on their way to the airbase in the UAE.

India is slated to get 36 such aircraft by the end of 2021.

‘Swift, Versatile & Very Deadly’

“These five Rafale jets are extremely swift, versatile and very deadly aircraft. They are both beauty and beast. I would like to thank Dassault for delivering aircraft on time and the French Government and French Air Force for all the support,” Jawed Ashraf, Indian Ambassador to France said.

Ashraf also visited visited the Rafale Assembly line, training facilities and interacted with officials from Dassault Aviation.