Rajnath receives first Rafale inFrance; delivery only next year

First batch to arrive in May; Minister says the jets will boost India’s air dominance 

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday formally received the Rafale fighter jet manufactured for the Indian Air Force (IAF) in France.  However, the first batch of the jet will arrive in India by May 2020 only.  “I am told that Rafael is a French word meaning gust of wind.  I am sure the plane will live up to its name.  I believe that Rafale will rapidly increase India's air dominance to ensure peace and security in the region, "Mr.  Singh said while speaking at the handover ceremony. 

He was assigned the first Indian aircraft, RB001, by ErikTrapier, CEO of Dassault Aviation.  After this ceremony, Mr. Singh performed scripture worship in the vimana on the occasion of Vijayadashami, and also carried out a retrenchment on it.  The defense ministry called the NDDefense Dialogue with its French counterpart Florence Parley.  Speaking to reporters after the sorry, Mr. Singh said that Rafale is being procured in India as indigenous and supportive.  "By February 2021, we will receive 18 Rafale jets and by April 2022, we will all receive 36 Rafale," he said.