Rafale Fighter Jet: They are known for air-superiority and precision strikes on ground targets.
The five Rafale jets were inducted today into the Indian Air Force in Ambala air base in Haryana.
The ceremony, described as a "very important milestone" by an IAF spokesperson, was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar.
The first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29, nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to buy 36 jets for Rs 59,000 crore.
The Rafale jets, built by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, are known for air-superiority and precision strikes on ground targets, making them truly multirole jets.
Here are the highlights of Rafale Jets Induction Ceremony, Indian Air Force (IAF):
MS Dhoni Cheers Induction Of Rafael JetsCricket World Cup-winning former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is also an honourary lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army, welcomed the induction of five Rafale jets into the Indian Air Force today saying the "potent bird's lethality will only increase" in the hands of IAF pilots.
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I have invited the French defence manufacturers to invest in defence corridors in India: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
I had a fruitful discussion with Madam minister today. We have decided to continue work on identified defence industrial area and military to military cooperation.
I am delighted to be in India today for this important event. It marks a step forward in the strategic partnership of our countries which dates back to 1998: French Minister of Armed Forces, Florence Parly on Rafale induction.
Recently, our two countries showed solidarity in the management of the health crisis. At peak of COVID-19 in France, India supported us by sending essential medicines. On our side, we recently sent to India medical equipment for patients in intensive care.
"Rafale Induction Sends A Strong Message To World": Rajnath SinghIndia's acquisition of Rafale jets is a "gamechanger" and the induction of five jets into the Indian Air Force today marks a "historic moment", Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said this afternoon. "Today, this induction sends a strong message to the world and specially those who have dared to raise their eyes (at us). This induction is a very crucial step, considering the situation that has been created at the border," the Defence Minister said, referring to the border tensions with China.
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France fully supports India in its inclusion as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Together we look forward to achieving our common vision and goals in maintaining peace, freedom and international order in the Indo-Pacific region and across the world.
French Defence Minister Florence Parly speaks at Rafale induction ceremony at Ambala:
- Today is a stellar achievement for both of our countries. We are scripting history.
- Rafale literally means a gust of wind poetically and a burst of fire in military terms. In both cases it shows that India today has the fire power that is among the best in the world.
- This also shows France's commitment towards our relationship with India. Today marks a new chapter for India-France ties.
- With Rafale, India will have the capability to defend its borders and its people as it now has a technological edge over others.
- Rafale jets are completely combat proven and works with surgical precision. We know that because we use these advance jets to protect our nation too.
- Our nations share common interests and values, and our democracy and vision is what brings us together in a rock-solid relationship.
- We are fully committed to ensure that the delivery of all Rafale jets are on-time.
- France has always found India by their side in times of need, and like all time-tested and true friendships, we will support and stand by India too.
- France fully supports India in its inclusion as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Together we look forward to achieving our common vision and goals in maintaining peace, freedom and international order in the Indo-Pacific region and across the world.
Watch | "Rafale will strengthen India-France ties," says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Rafale induction ceremony at Ambala airbase.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh speaks at Rafale induction ceremony at Ambala:
- I would like to welcome the honorable Defence Minister of France on behalf of the entire nation.
- The induction of the Rafale jets in the Indian Air Force is a historic moment.
- This also shows the close strategic ties that France and India share.
- The world faces new challenges today, especially in the geo-political sphere, and that is something that India and France are cooperating on.
- India and France share a special friendship and our vibrant democracies is what brings us together.
- Rafale gives India a technical edge compared to others in the region. The Rafale jets are advanced and its induction in the Indian Air Force is a statement to the world.
- India's responsibilities are not just restricted to our borders, but we play a responsible role in the entire Indo-Pacific and the Indian Ocean Region.
- Security and freedom of the seas is crucial in the Indo-Pacific region and India is working with friendly nations like France to ensure that International order and freedom of the seas are maintained.
- India and France are also cooperating in strengthening India's submarine force.
- India is now focusing on domestic defence manufacturing, which is a top priority for us. I would take this opportunity to invite France to come and manufacture here in India.
- The IAF plays a crucial role as a deterrent in the Indian Armed Forces. In challenging times the IAF plays a very crucial role.
- Today, our northern borders are tense and our soldiers have shown tremendous courage in standing up to the challenge and giving a fitting response when needed.
- The induction of the Rafale jets in the IAF is a milestone moment.
Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria speaks at Rafale induction ceremony at Ambala:
- This day would not have been possible without the help of the French government. We thank them for their support.
- Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the French government ensured that the deliveries were on time.
- The inclusion of these Rafale jets in the Golden Arrows will prove to be a lethal force.
Watch| Indigenous light combat aircraft Tejas performs during Rafale induction ceremony, at Ambala airbase
Watch| Water cannon salute given to the five Rafale fighter aircraft at Ambala airbase.
Water cannon salute given to the five Rafale fighter aircraft at Ambala airbase.
Watch | Jets flypast at Ambala air base as 5 Rafales join Indian Air Force.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly witness air display of Rafale fighter aircraft flanked by SU-30 and Jaguar aircraft in arrow formation.
'Sarva Dharma Puja' conducted at the Rafale induction ceremony, at IAF airbase in Ambala.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria present.
Watch | 'Sarva dharma puja' at #Rafale induction ceremony. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly present at the ceremony.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly, witness the traditional 'Sarva Dharma Puja' at the Rafale induction ceremony, at Ambala airbase.
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria arrive at Indian Air Force Station, Ambala, for the Rafale induction ceremony.
Watch | General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff arrives at the Ambala airbase for Rafale induction ceremony
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly arrive at the Indian Air Force Station in Ambala for Rafale induction ceremony.
Watch | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly arrive at the Ambala air base for Rafale induction ceremony.
The five Rafale aircraft to be formally inducted in 17 Squadron 'Golden Arrows' of the Indian Air Force, at Ambala airbase.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Armed Forces of France Florence Parly to take part in the induction ceremony.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Florence Parly, Minister of Armed Forces of France, leave for Ambala to take part in Rafale induction ceremony.
Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly receives a ceremonial Guard of Honour on her arrival at Delhi.
She will attend the Rafale induction ceremony at Ambala.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets Florence Parly, Minister of Armed Forces of France, at Palam Air Force Station before leaving for Ambala.
Watch| 5 Rafales to formally join Air Force today.
- The French delegation will be represented by Emmanuel Lenain Ambassador of France to India, Air General Eric Autellet, Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the French Air Force and other senior officials.
- A large delegation of senior functionaries of French Defence Industries which includes Eric Trappier Chairman and Chief Executive of Dassault Aviation and Eric Beranger, CEO, MBDA will be present during the ceremony.
- At Ambala the program will include the ceremonial unveiling of the Rafale aircraft, a traditional ''Sarva Dharma Puja'', Air Display by Rafale and Tejas aircraft as well as by ''Sarang Aerobatic Team''.
- Afterwards, a traditional water cannon salute will be given to the Rafale aircraft. The programme will culminate with the ceremonial induction of Rafale aircraft to 17 Squadron.
Watch: Florence Parly, Minister of Armed Forces of France arrives at Delhi's Palam airport.
French Defence Minister Florence Parly arrived in Delhi on an official visit on Thursday morning, ahead of the formal induction of the first five Indian Air Force Rafale jets at Ambala.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly will be the Chief Guest for the Rafale induction ceremony at Air Force Station in Ambala.
This will be Ms Parly's third official visit to India since 2017.
To be formally inducted in the IAF, the Rafale fighter aircraft will be part of 17 Squadron, the "Golden Arrows." The first five Indian Air Force Rafale aircraft arrived at Air Force Station, Ambala from France on July 27, 2020.
Watch: Rafale fighter aircraft at the Indian Air Force station in Ambala, today morning. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will formally induct the five Rafale fighter aircraft into the Indian Air Force, today.
Rafale fighter aircraft at the Indian Air Force station in Ambala
- The first batch of five Rafale multirole fighter jets will be formally inducted into the Indian Air Force at 10 am in Ambala air base in Haryana.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar will attend the ceremony.
- "The programme will include ceremonial unveiling of the Rafale aircraft, a traditional sarva dharma puja, air display by Rafale and Tejas aircraft as well as by the Sarang aerobatic team," an IAF spokesperson said, describing the ceremony as a "very important milestone" in the history of the Indian Air Force.
The induction of five Rafale jets comes amid India-China tensions.
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