Second Rafale squadron to be based out of Hasimara in West Bengal

The first squadron of Rafale was raised at Ambala in Haryana to deal with the adversary on the western front while Hasimara is being raised to counter the Chinese threat on the eastern front. 

Indian Air Force is raising its second squadron comprising Rafale fighter jets in West Bengal's Hasimara airbase.

"The Second Rafale Squadron is being raised at the next Main Operating Base Hasimara in mid-April this year," sources in the Indian Air Force told Asianet Newsable.

The first squadron of Rafale was raised at Ambala in Haryana to deal with the adversary on the western front while Hasimara is being raised to counter the Chinese threat on the eastern front. 

In September 2016, India signed an Inter-Government Agreement with France government to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets (two squadrons of 18 each) at the cost of Rs 59,000 crore.

In an effort to deal with a two-front war scenario with Pakistan and China simultaneously, India needs at least 42 squadrons of fighter jets. Currently, the squadron strength stands at 30 only. 

India shares the 740-kilometre Line of Control with Pakistan and the 3,448-kilometre Line of Actual Control with China.