Rajnath Singh speaks at the induction ceremony.
Ambala, Haryana:
India’s acquisition of Rafale aircraft is a “game changer” and the addition of five aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) today marks a “historic moment,” Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said this afternoon. “Today, this induction sends a strong message to the world and especially to those who have dared to look up (towards us). This induction is a very crucial step, considering the situation that has been created on the border,” said the Minister of Defense. he said, referring to border tensions with China.
“I want to congratulate the IAF for the presence of mind they showed during the unfortunate situation at the Royal Line of Control (de facto border between India and China) which shows their commitment,” Singh said this afternoon, adding that “the path La IAF deployed troops to forward bases, induces confidence that the Air Force is ready to fulfill its operational responsibilities. “
The IAF plays a “critical role in military deterrence and will be key in decision-making in the event of any future war,” Singh added while speaking at the event to mark the ceremonial inauguration of five Rafale aircraft.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly, Defense Chief of Staff General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Defense Secretary Ajay Kumar attended the ceremony at Ambala Station of the Air Force, the oldest Air Force base in the country. “The induction of the jets is a game changer and marks a historic moment for the country,” he said.
“While, on the one hand, the current border situation has drawn our attention, we must not forget the threat posed by sponsored terrorism,” the Defense Minister stressed in an apparent reference to Pakistan.
“We are all aware of the security challenges at the northern borders. In such a scenario, we must all remain vigilant for the protection of our nation and our values. Our alertness is the main solution for our security,” Singh said.
Referring to his visit to Moscow last week and meeting with his Chinese counterpart on issues related to the recent outbreak, the Defense Minister said: “Recently, I put India’s point of view around the world … I told him to the nations on India’s determination not to compromise with territorial integrity and sovereignty. We are firmly committed to making all necessary preparations for this resolution. ”
The Golden Arrows, an Indian Air Force squadron stationed at Ambala AFS as part of Western Air Command, will receive a new glow with the induction of all five Rafale jets, Singh said.
The induction of Rafale Jets has also strengthened ties between India and France, he said by inviting France to invest in India’s defense sector. “The government has taken many positive and progressive steps after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a ‘self-sufficient’ India.”
“India and France have partnered on various aspects of defense cooperation. We share a common point of view for various challenges such as maritime security,” he added.
The first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29, almost four years after India signed an intergovernmental agreement with France to buy 36 jets for 59 billion rupees.
A second batch of four to five Rafale jets is likely to arrive in India in November.
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