Rafale is Here, Finally

With the induction of the fighter jets, IAF seeks new capabilities

A FORCE Report

The first batch of five Rafale fighter jets was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 10 September 2020 at the Air Force Station in Ambala. The newly inducted jets were given a water cannon salute after they performed air manoeuvres displaying arrowhead formation with Su-30 and Jaguars.

The event was attended by defence minister Rajnath Singh. His French counterpart, minister of the armed forces Florence Parly was invited as the chief guest. Parly received a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon her arrival in Delhi. She also met defence minister Rajnath Singh at the Palam Air Force Station before leaving for Ambala.

Prior to the induction ceremony, a ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’ (multi faith prayer) was carried out at the Ambala airbase. Speaking at the event, Singh highlighted the importance of Rafale jets at a time when India’s borders were facing serious threats. He said, “The induction of Rafale into the IAF also represents the strong ties between India and France. The strategic ties between our two countries have also strengthened.”




Parly added, “Today is an achievement for our countries. Together we are writing a new chapter in India-France defence ties. We are fully committed to ‘Make in India’ initiative as well as to the further integration of the Indian manufacturers in our global supply chain.”

Singh also presented an induction scroll of Rafale fighter jets to Group Captain Harkeerat Singh, Commanding Officer, 17 Squadron ‘Golden Arrows’ of the IAF. The induction of Rafale jets took place days after they were flown to India on July 29, completing a journey of 8,500 km from Merignac in France.

Present at the event were IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria, chief of defence staff General Bipin Rawat and defence secretary Ajay Kumar. French delegates attending the induction ceremony included, Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain, Air General Eric Autellet, Vice Chief of Air Staff of the French Air Force and Dassault Aviation chairperson Eric Trappier among others.

So far, Dassault Aviation has delivered 10 Rafale jets to India. However, five of these are still in France for training the IAF pilots. The delivery of all 36 aircraft is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021.

 

Defence minister Rajnath Singh (extreme left, facing page), French defence minister Florence Parly and French ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain with chief of defence staff Gen. Bipin Rawat

 

Rafale

Rafale

Rafale

Rafale

 

 

 

 

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