Rafale

The French Air and Space Force participated in the exercise with Rafale fighter aircraft and A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, while the IAF contingent comprised Su-30 MKI, Rafale, LCA 'Tejas' and Jaguar fighter aircraft. This fighter element was complemented by the IAF's Flight Refuelling Aircraft, AWACS and AEW&C, as well as Mi-17 helicopters and the newly inducted LCH 'Prachanda'.

A French Air and Space Force contingent, including three Rafale jets, was hosted for a technical stopover at Air Force Station in Sulur town of Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore district on August 10-11 during a long-range deployment from France to the Pacific Ocean. From August 10 to September 18, the French Air and Space Force is carrying out a major long-range mission in the Indo-Pacific, code-named Pegase 22. "The first stage of this mission aims to demonstrate France's capacity for long-distance air power projection by deploying an Air Force contingent from metropolitan France to the French territory of New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean in less than 72 hours (August 10-12)," the statement added.

India on Tuesday evening received its latest batch of three Dassault’s Rafale fighter jets which will further strengthen the Indian Air Force offensive capabilities. These three fighter jets are fitted with India-specific enhancements (ISEs) which enhance the prowess of the country’s air force to combat aggression from rival countries.

Rafale-M underwent exhaustive and extensive trials at the 283-metre mocked-up ski-jump facility at the station. “Tests were done to check its (Rafale-Marine's) take-off (capability) from the deck of your (India's) carrier and it has done very well,” said French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain. These tests were undertaken as part of the navy’s scouting for fighter jets which will serve India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.  

The Navy will make the Rafale M undergo extensive trials at the 283-metre mock-up ski jump facility at INS Hansa for a period of almost two weeks to understand and assess the jet’s operational compatibility with IAC-1. The 40,000-tonne aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant is currently undergoing comprehensive and exhaustive sea trials at Cochin shipyard in the Indian Ocean.

Parley, Who is in India for holding extensive talks related to Indo-French strategic and defence ties, made these remarks while addressing a virtual conversation organised by Ananta Centre on India-France cooperation. She also highlighted that France is committed to supporting the “Make in India” initiative, especially for defence hardware.

The winter session is likely to see a high-pitched battle between the government and opposition on the procurement of the fighter planes, where the Congress alleges "corruption". According to sources, to mobilise support, the Congress leaders have been asked to reach out to the leaders of like-minded parties which are opposed to the NDA government. Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal alleged that the BJP is running away from the JPC probe.