Rafale jets are known for air-superiority and precision strikes on ground targets
The first batch of five Rafale multirole fighter jets were formally inducted into the Indian Air Force in Ambala air base in Haryana today. 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. A traditional water cannon salute was given to the Rafale fleet before its ceremonial induction into the 17 Squadron, IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Indranil Nandi said.
Here are some photos of the Rafale induction ceremony place at Ambala Air Base:
"New bird in the arsenal of IAF," the Air Force tweeted this morning on Rafale induction
Flypast at Ambala Air Base as five Rafales inducted in airforce
"Rafale will strengthen India-France ties," says Rajnath Singh
The multirole French-made fighter jets will become a part of the IAF's 17 Squadron "Golden Arrows"
The aircraft will be part of 17 Squadron, the 'Golden Arrows'
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will formally induct the Rafale aircraft into the Indian Air Force
A second batch of four-five Rafale jets is likely to arrive in India by November
10 Rafale jets have been delivered to India so far and five of them stayed back in France for training IAF pilots
The delivery of all 36 aircraft is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021
Florence Parly, Minister of Armed Forces of France arrives at Delhi
Rajnath Singh and Florence Parly witness the traditional 'Sarva Dharma Puja'
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria arrive at Indian Air Force Station, Ambala
Florence Parly receives a ceremonial Guard of Honour on her arrival at Delhi
Rajnath Singh meets Florence Parly, Minister of Armed Forces of France, at Palam Air Force Station before leaving for Ambala