The first of the 36
The Rafale fighter jet will be the most advanced fighter aircraft in the IAF’s fleet. Compared to the SU 30 MKI — currently the best aircraft in the IAF — the Rafale jet is faster, has a wider range and more capabilities.
More importantly, at least 75% of the Rafale fleet has to be combat ready at any given point. On the other hand, the availability of SU 30 MKI aircraft is only 55%.
The Rafale fighter jet a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole fighter aircraft. It is designed and manufactured by a French company called Dassault Aviation.
Dassault’s ‘omnirole’ aircraft comes with a host of weapons and can perform a variety of functions — like aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike and nuclear deterrence — according to the company.
Here’s everything you need to know about Rafale fighter jets: