‘Rafale is the buzzword’ amid plans to induct more advanced aircraft: IAF

Rafale fighter aircraft

• IAF plans to induct more advanced fighter aircraft to boost combat capability
• Rafale jets praised but final decision on new acquisitions is pending
• Exercise Vayu Shakti to feature 120 air assets, debuting C-295 transport.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is keen to induct “a lot more” newer-generation fighter aircraft into its fleet to strengthen overall combat capability, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, said on Wednesday.

Addressing a press conference ahead of Exercise Vayu Shakti, Air Marshal Kapoor indicated that while Rafale has emerged as a standout performer, a final decision on additional acquisitions is yet to be taken.

“Rafale definitely was a hero, among other heroes during Operation Sindoor. Yes, Rafale is the buzzword, it is definitely a buzzword,” the VCAS said.

However, he clarified that the IAF’s broader focus is on acquiring more Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA). “The IAF is looking forward to induct a lot more MRFA aircraft, whether that will be Rafale or any other aircraft, is presently under consideration. And, a concrete decision on it has not yet been taken,” he said.

“The IAF is looking forward to induct a lot more of newer-generation aircraft in its inventory, and the sooner, the better,” he added.

The push for new fighters comes as the IAF prepares to showcase its full combat strength during Exercise Vayu Shakti at the Pokharan range near the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan on February 27.

More than 120 air assets will participate in the exercise, including 77 fighter jets such as Rafale, Su-30MKI, MiG-29, LCA Tejas, Jaguar and Mirage-2000. Helicopters including Apache, Chinook, LCH Prachand and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), along with eight transport aircraft, will also take part. The C-295 transport aircraft will make its debut in the drill, officials said.

The exercise is expected to highlight the success of Operation Sindoor and demonstrate the IAF’s ability to “rapidly punish the enemy” and dominate the operational environment.

India currently operates two Rafale squadrons — No. 17 ‘Golden Arrows’ based in Ambala and No. 101 ‘Falcons’ based in Hasimara. The first five Rafale jets arrived in India in July 2020, with the second squadron inducted in July 2021.