On Thursday, five Rafale fighter jets have joined the Indian Air Force amidst ongoing tension on the Sino-Indian border. It was duly entered into force with the traditional Sarvadharma puja. This ceremony was held at Ambala airbase of the Indian Air Force and was addressed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and French Defense Minister Florence Parly.
The Air Force organized an air show for this induction which included several other aircraft including Tejas and Sukhoi. After this, Rafael was given a water cannon salute. The induction saw an air display of Rafale fighter aircraft flanked by SU-30 and Jaguar aircraft in an arrow formation.
Former captain of the Indian Cricket team, MS Dhoni hailed the induction of Rafale Jets into the Indian Air Force, saying the 'potent bird's lethality will only increase' in the hands of the IAF pilots. The five Rafale aircraft will be formally inducted in 17 Squadron 'Golden Arrows' of the Indian Air Force which was resurrected on September 10 last year.
During the induction, Rajnath Singh presented a memento to French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly. And an induction scroll of Rafale fighter jets was presented to Group Captain Harkeerat Singh, Commanding Officer of the 17th Squadron.
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The induction of Rafale into IAF represents the strong ties between India and France. Four years ago, India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of the Rafale aircraft for Rs 59,000 crore and the first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29. The rest will be delivered by 2022. Out of 36 Rafale jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainer jets with twin seats.
During the induction ceremony, the Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly said, “Make in India has been a reality for French industries for several years, particularly for defence equipment…But this is not only military or industrial project. There is a bubble of friendship."
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After the conclusion of the induction ceremony of Rafale jets, Rajnath Singh said, “The induction of Rafale is a strong message for the world and especially for those who challenge India’s sovereignty. The induction is a very important step in light of the prevailing security conditions that prevail, or I would say, that have been created along India’s borders."
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