'India and France always stood by each other in difficult times'

France is reportedly scheduled to hand over the first batch of Rafale fighter aircraft to India which is expected to be a huge boost to IAF

Amid China row, India likely to get six 'fully-loaded' Rafales by July-end

The IAF officials said the date of arrival of the planes would be decided by mid-July after taking multiple factors into account

The resurrection ceremony for 17 Squadron was held at Air Force Station, Ambala.

India is also in talks to buy unused fighter aircraft MiG-29 from Russia to boost its depleting fleet.

The first squadron of Rafale fighter jets is likely to be raised at Ambala AFS in Punjab in March next year, sources told this newspaper.

This was explosive and Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s attack on the government and the PM grew sharper.

“Yes, an audit of the Rafale fighter aircraft deal is on and is nearing completion.

India is also acquiring the state-of-the-art Rafale fighter aircraft from France.

Meanwhile, Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence Limited has threatened to sue the opposition party if it does not retract its charge.