Historic Feat: IAF's Rafales — For The First-Time-Ever — Fly Non-Stop To France

In a historic feat for the Indian Air Force, four Indian Rafales flew non-stop from India to France, to be part of the fly-past ceremony in the French Bastille Day military parade.

This is the first-time-ever that any Indian Air Force's fighter has completed such a long journey without landing anywhere.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day (13 July-14 July) visit to France, to participate in the celebrations of the French National Day and attend the Bastille Day military parade as a guest of honour.

A tri-service contingent of Indian Armed Forces will also march with the French military forces.

As part of the parade, IAF's Rafales will participate in the fly-past over the Champs-Elysees in Paris, along with a French Air Force Rafale.

A week ago, on 7 July, four IAF Rafales flew to France to take part in the fly-past ceremony, along with a contingent of 269 members and two C-17 Globemasters.

During this journey, these four Rafales flew non-stop for over 10 hours, covering a distance of more than 4,500 miles.

Group Captain Anindo Sur (VSM), who is a part of the crew who flew these Rafales to France, in an interview to ANI said, this is the first-time-ever any (IAF) aircraft has flown so long from India.

The aircraft flew for over 10 hours and did mid-air re-fueling to reach their destination in France.

However, Group Captain Anindo Sur did not mention the number of mid-air re-fuelings the Rafales took to reach their destination in France.

The Indian Rafales also practised flying in close formation with French Air Force Rafales, for close co-ordination and perfect synergy and synchronisation.