Indian Air Force Set To Receive Seven Rafale Fighter Jets By April-May 2020, Reveals Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive as many as seven Rafale aircrafts from France by April-May next year itself, revealed Union Minister for Denece, Rajnath Singh after he returned from his visit to France yesterday (10 October), reports Asian News International (ANI).

Singh revealed the information after receiving the first of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft which India has ordered from Dassault Aviation under a Government to Government agreement. He also held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and French Minister for Defence Florence Parly.

Upon his return from the important visit, Singh shared that he flew in the Rafale fighter jet at a speed of an impressive 1,300 kmph. He also added that the aircraft is capable of flying at a top speed of as high as 1,800 kmph. He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi for the acquisition of the Rafale fighter jets to add to IAF's muscle power.

Commenting on the senior leader of the Congress party, Mallikarjun Kharge's criticism of him performing Shastra puja upon receiving the first rafale jet for IAF, Singh said, "People from all religions have the right to pray according to their beliefs. I would not have objected if someone else had done the same. I feel there must have been a difference of opinion over the issue in Congress as well, it would not have been everybody's opinion."