New Delhi, Sep 5 : Three Rafale jets quietly flew into India for a three-day halt at military bases in a low-key military diplomatic affair, apparently due to the political storm raging over alleged irregularities in the purchase of the fighter aircraft from a French firm.

The three Rafale jets flown by the French Air Force (FAF) pilots were returning from Exercise Pitch Black 2018 at Darwin in Australia, in which 16 nations from across the globe, including the Indian Air Force, had taken part.

The Rafale fighter aircraft and transport aircraft staged through Air Force Station, Gwalior, and Air Force Station, Agra, from September 1-4, an IAF spokesperson said.

The French jets took off on Tuesday evening from Gwalior. The Maharajpur airbase in Gwalior is home to two Mirage 2000 squadrons. Both the Mirage and Rafale are manufactured by the same French maker - Dassault Aviation.

"During the staging period, FAF and IAF carried out basic joint training, which included fighter sorties by pilots in their respective aircraft with observers onboard each other's transport aircraft supporting the missions.

"This interaction with FAF provided a unique opportunity for exchange of experience and sharing of best practices during cooperative deployment," the spokesperson said.

During the military drill in Australia, it is believed that Indian Su-30 fighter pilots flew in the same three Rafales.

Though a picture of one of the three jets in India had emerged on the social media on Tuesday, the official announcement regarding their stay was only made a day after their departure.

Usually, such military diplomatic events are widely publicized.

Apparently, the halt of Rafale jets was not announced in advance because of the allegations of massive irregularities in the Rafale deal. The Congress has maintained that the Modi government was procuring each aircraft at a cost higher than the rate finalised by the UPA government.

 

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Wednesday issued an order announcing the State Annual Film Awards for the calendar year 2019. Popular Actor Kiccha Sudeep and Anupama Gowda were selected for the Best Actor and Actress awards for their roles in Pailwaan and Thrayambakam respectively.

The prestigious first best film award went to Mohanadas, followed by Love Mocktail and Arghyam as second and third Best films, respectively. Kanneri received the special concern award for addressing significant social issues, while India V/S England was honored as the best popular entertainment film. The title of best children’s film was bestowed upon Ella Aadodu Navu Elli Aadodu.

In the supporting roles category, Tabala Nani won the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in Chemistry of Kariyappa, while Anusha Krishna earned the Best Supporting Actress title for her performance in Brahmi.

In the music section, V. Harikrishna was recognized as the Best Music Director for his work in Yajamana. Raghu Dixit won the Best Playback Singer (Male) for his song in Love Mocktail, and Dr. Jayadevi Jingama Shetty was awarded Best Playback Singer (Female) for her rendition in Ragabhairavi.