Sept. 22, 2020 CNA
NEW DELHI: India’s new French Rafale jets have flown “familiarisation” flights above the border region contested with China where a deadly clash between soldiers from the nuclear-armed neighbours took place in June, an official told AFP on Monday (Sep 21).
The first five planes of a US$9.4 billion order for 36 Rafale aircraft were formally commissioned on Sep 10, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh calling them a “strong message” to New Delhi’s adversaries.
“Rafale fighter jets have been familiarising in our operational areas including Ladakh,” a senior air force official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
