Chennai: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will induct the French fighter aircraft — Rafale in 2019 as part of a measure to further strengthen its combat capabilities.
“About 36 fighter aircrafts will be added to IAF’s fleet in the first batch,” says Air Chief Marshal B. S. Dhanoa.
Asked about the IAF’s expansion plans, he told reporters at the Air Force station, Tambaram on Friday that the inter-governmental agreement would add many light combat aircrafts to the IAF’s fleet.
Speaking to reporters after participating in the presentation of the prestigious President’s Standard and Colours to the 125 Helicopter Squadron and Mechanical Training Institute by President Pranab Mukherjee at Tambaram Air Force Station, the Air Chief Marshal said work to create infrastructure for establishing a base station for fighter squadron is on and it would be operational in about two to three years.
