India to deploy nuke carrying Rafale jets near Pakistan, China borders

NEW DELHI - New Delhi is expected to deploy the recently bought Rafale fighter jets in the disputed areas near the borders of Pakistan and China, the Hindustan Times claimed on Friday while quoting Chinese news agency.

India has recently signed a deal to purchase as many as 36 Rafale jets from France against payment of $8.7 billion. The warplanes can carry tactical nuclear weapons.

The reports further claimed that Indian Air Force would be able to target areas in Pakistan and China, even from Indian territory, using the French manufactured jets.

Currently IAF has 33 squadrons each having 18 fighter jets and it requires at least 45 more combat units to counter the joint threat posed by China and Pakistan.