India To Deploy First Squadron Of Nuclear-Capable Rafale Fighter Jets In Bengal To Counter China

As part of its policy to build nuclear and conventional deterrence against China, India will base its first squadron of Rafale fighter jets, which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons, at Hasimara air force base in West Bengal’s Jaipalguri district. Hasimara is an important airbase of the Eastern Command.

The airbase is located strategically close to China, Bangladesh and Bhutan. It was set up after the India-China war of 1962. According to an official quoted by the Times of India, this airbase currently has MiG-27s that will be retired over the next two to three years and replaced by Rafales. The base also hosts the Akash missile systems.

The second squadron is likely to be based at the Sarsawa airbase in Uttar Pradesh. One more base for the third squadron remains to be identified and will likely be close to India’s border with Pakistan. Each of these Indian Air Force (IAF) squadrons will have 12 Rafale fighter jets.

Rafale is a multi-role combat aircraft built by Dassault Aviation of France. India and France signed an inter-government agreement for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets off the shelf on 23 September 2016. A team from Dassault has already visited Hasimara to review the infrastructure required to house the aircraft.

In addition, the Panagarh airbase in West Bengal is set to get its six C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft. Panagarh will also be the headquarters of the army's new 17 Mountain Strike Corps. These developments are in line with the government’s plan to boost the presence of the Indian army and air force in the region.