Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday formally inducted the five Rafale fighter jets, which arrived in India on July 29, in the Indian Air Force (IAF). The induction ceremony took place at the Ambala Air Force base, where IAF’s 17 Squadron, also called ‘Golden Arrows’, is based. India’s first five Rafale fighters will be a part of the ‘Golden Arrows’ squadron.
The Rafale jets were given a water cannon salute at the induction ceremony after stunning air maneuvers were performed by the Rafale, Su-30 and Jaguars.
Earlier, Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly witnessed the 'Sarva Dharma Puja' at the Ambala airbase.
Besides the defence minister, his French counterpart Florence Parly was the chief guest of the event. IAF chief RKS Bhadauria, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, were also a part of the ceremony.
In September 2016, India and France had signed a deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets. At ₹60,000 crore it is the largest-ever defence deal signed by India. Manohar Parrikar, who passed away last year, was the defence minister at the time the deal was signed.
Follow all the highlights here:
France supports India’s candidacy for UNSC: French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly
Parly during the induction ceremony added that France supports India’s candidacy for the United Nations Security Council, reports ANI.
Fully committed to 'Make in India' initiative: Parly
Florence Parly also said that France is fully committed to 'Make in India' initiative, as well as, to the further integration of the Indian manufacturers in its global supply chain, reports ANI.
'Proud to share our knowhow with you': French minister Parly at Rafale induction
Minister of Armed Forces of France Florence Parly during the induction ceremony of the Rafale jets at the Ambala air base said, "Proud to share our knowhow with India."
Rafale induction crucial considering the kind of atmosphere at our borders: Rajnath Singh
Rafale induction is a big and stern message for the entire world, especially to those eyeing our sovereignty. This induction is important considering the kind of atmosphere at our borders or should I say the kind of atmosphere created at our borders, defence minister Rajnath Singh said.
Rafale induction represents strong ties between India and France, says Rajnath Singh
Defence minister Rajnath Singh during the induction ceremony of the Rafale jets in Ambala said that the induction of these fighter jets represent strong ties between India and France. The strategic ties between the two countries have also strengthened, he added.
Rafale induction could not have happened at a more opportune time: IAF Chief
This induction could not have happened at a more opportune time considering the security scenario today, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said at Rafale induction ceremony at Ambala, reports ANI.
Rafale given water cannon salute at induction ceremony in Ambala after stunning air maneuvers
The Rafale jets were given a water salute at the induction ceremony in Ambala after stunning air maneuvers were performed by the Rafale, Su-30 and Jaguars.
Rafale jets perform air maneuvers with Su-30, Jaguars
Rafale, Su-30 and Jaguars displayed arrowhead formation; stunning low-speed air maneuvers performed at induction ceremony at the Ambala Air Force station.
Rajnath Singh, Florence Parly witness 'Sarva Dharma Puja'
Defence minsiter Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly witnessed the 'Sarva Dharma Puja' at the Rafale induction ceremony, at the Ambala Air Force station, reports ANI.
Rajnath Singh, Florence Parly arrive at Ambala Air Force Station
Defence minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly arrived at the Ambala Air Force station for the Rafale induction ceremony. India’s first five Rafale fighters will be a part of the ‘Golden Arrows’ squadron.
Rajnath Singh, Florence Parly leave for Ambala Air Force Station
Defence minister Rajnath Singh and his french counterpart Florence Parly have left for Ambala where they will be participating in the induction ceremony of the Rafale jets.
First published: Sep 10, 2020 09:24 IST