Countdown for Rafales' homecoming begins | A timeline

The first batch of Rafale jets has flown out from France and will reach India on Wednesday, according to latest reports. The aircraft flew out from the Merignac airbase in French port city of Bordeaux and will cover a distance of nearly 7,000 km with air-to-air refuelling and a single stop in the United Arab Emirates before arriving at Ambala airbase on Wednesday.

The Ambala Air Force Station, the country’s oldest airbase, will be home to Indian Air Force’s newest induction. The aircraft flew out from the Merignac airbase in French port city of Bordeaux and will cover a distance of nearly 7,000 km with air-to-air refuelling and a single stop in the United Arab Emirates before arriving at Ambala airbase on Wednesday.

Watch India First to follow up on a timeline on how and when it was decided to induct Rafales in the Indian Air Force (IAF).