IAF to raise 2nd squadron of Rafale at Hasimara base by mid-April

Indian Air Force will raise its second Rafale squadron at Hasimara in West Bengal by the middle of next month, bringing the fourth generation fighters closer to the Sino-Indian boundary in the eastern sector.

The French-origin aircrafts are currently being flown by the 17 ‘Golden Arrows’ Squadron from its home-base at Ambala. Out of the 36 jets contracted by India, French aviation major Dassault has delivered 11 so far, while the rest would come by 2022.

“The second Rafale Squadron is being raised at the next Main Operating Base Hasimara in mid-April this year,” said a source.

Meanwhile, Group Captain Harkirat Singh, the Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron has been moved to the Eastern Air Command at Shillong just seven months after the Rafale aircraft was inducted in the IAF. Group Captain Singh would be replaced by Group Captain Rohit Kataria.

IAF sources said there was nothing unusual in Group Captain Singh’s transfer to the Eastern Air Command as he had completed a two-year tenure.

“Three group captains have been trained for Rafale in France including Gp Captain Harkirat Singh. Now with the Rafale squadron being formed in the Eastern sector, Harkirat is moving logically to the next level with responsibility of steering raising of the second squadron. He will carry forward the experience and expertise gained, thus, far and play the role of a mentor, while the other Gp Captains will command the Squadrons,” they said.

“He is being moved along with other Group Captains as part of a routine deployment with one month's notice. The assumption that he has been removed is baseless," the sources added.