There is another feather in the cap of the Indian Air Force. Today five Rafale fighter jets landed at IAF airbase Ambala. Traveling from France, the Rafale fighter jets covered a distance of over 7000 km. It will take IAF’s squadron strength to 31. There are 36 Rafale jets to be delivered by 2022, out of which the first five jets arrived.
Rafale Power
Rafale is a 4.5 Generation state of the art jet. It can reach almost double the speed of sound, with a top speed of 1.8 Mach. Rafale lends air superiority to the Indian Air Force because of its multi-role capabilities, including electronic warfare, air defense, in-depth strikes, and ground support. Rafale comes with one of the most advanced Meteor air-to-air missiles.
It also has SCALP, the air-to-ground cruise missile with a range over 300 km. Rafale comes with MICA air-to-air missile. It is for both, close-quarter dogfights, and for BVR. Even India has also asked for HAMMER (Highly Agile and Manoeuvrable Munition Extended Range). It is an air-to-ground precision-guided missile produced by French conglomerate Safran. It can be also be used against bunker-type hardened targets within the range of 70 km.
Rafale Vs China’s J20
Comparing with China’s J20 Chengdu jets, which are called fifth-generation combat jets, the J20 have no actual combat experience. Rafale is combat proven. It is used by the French Air Force for its missions in Libya, Afghanistan, and Mali. Rafale has also been used for missions in the Central African Republic, Syria, and Iraq. It can also carry more fuel and weapons compared to J20.
Rafale Specifications
- Wing span: 10.90 m
- Length: 15.30 m
- Height: 5.30 m
- Fuel (internal): 4.7 tonnes
- Fuel (external): up to 6.7 tonnes
- Ferry Range: 3,700 km
- Overall empty weight: 10 tonnes
- External load: 9.5 tonnes
- Max. take-off weight: 24.5 tonnes
- Top Speed: 1.8 Mach at high altitude
- Landing ground run: 450 m (1,500 ft)
- Service ceiling: 50,000 ft
Check out Rafale’s landing at Ambala airbase.
It is a proud moment for all the people of India. Rafale will be very helpful during any war-related activities near the border and will increase India’s power.
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