The first batch of five Rafale jets is expected to land today afternoon at Ambala air base. With police tightening up protection around the air force facility. Rafale jet squadron will be based at the Haryana Ambala air base.
The first group of five jets departed the Merignac airbase in the French port city of Bordeaux on Monday. Since operating for more than seven hours, the aircraft arrived at the Al Dhafra airbase in the UAE.
Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Air Force Chief Air Marshal, will be present to receive the first five Rafale combat aircraft at Ambala Air Base.
The first batch comprises of five planes, which are flown by Indian Air Force pilots. The squadron of five jets consists of three single-seater and two-seater planes.
The jets were then loaded the fuel in mid-air by a French tanker at a height of 30,000 feet. The distance traveled by them is equivalent to 7,000 km.
Section 144, which forbids the grouping of four or more persons, has been put by Ambala District Administration in four villages closer to the air base, it is strictly forbidden to organize citizens on the roof and take photographs.
Citizens in Ambala were told by BJP’s Ambala MLA Aseem Goyal to light candles in their homes between 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to welcome the Rafale aircraft.
The first five Rafale fighter jets arriving today are flew along with other pilots, Wing Commanders MK Singh, R Kataria, Sidhu and Arun, Commanding Officer Group Captain Harkirat Singh.
Harkirat Singh is also expected to be the first to touchdown pilot at Ambala base.
