Induction represents strong Indo-French ties, says Rajnath Singh

The ceremony, described as a “very important milestone” by an IAF spokesperson, will be attended by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly, Defense Chief of Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Secretary of Defense Ajay Kumar.

Latest updates from the Rafale induction ceremony:

• On my recent trip abroad, I put India’s point of view in front of the world. I also made everyone aware of our determination not to compromise our sovereignty and territorial integrity under any circumstances. We are committed to doing everything possible for this: Minister of Defense.
• The Rafale induction is a big and stern message for the whole world, especially for those who look at our sovereignty. This induction is important considering the type of atmosphere on our borders or should I say the type of atmosphere created on our borders: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
• The Rafale induction is important given the kind of situation that has been created on our borders in recent days: Rajnath Singh.
• Rafale’s addition to the IAF also represents the strong ties between India and France. Strategic ties between our two countries have also been strengthened: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
• Rafale Induction is a historic occasion and shows close ties between India and France: Rajnath Singh.
• This induction could not have occurred at a more opportune time considering the current security scenario: Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) formally added the fourth-generation flying machine, Rafale, to its arsenal on Thursday.
• The IAF Sarang Helicopter Display Team is conducting aerobatic maneuvers.

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• The Rafale fighter jet has received a traditional water cannon salute at Ambala air base.

• One of the IAF’s new Rafale, two Jaguars and two Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs have performed a flypast in the ‘arrows’ formation.

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• ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’ performed at the Rafale induction ceremony, at the IAF air base in Ambala.
• Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly witnessed the ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’ at the Rafale induction ceremony at Ambala Air Force station.
• ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’ begins at Ambala station for the induction of Rafale jets.

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• Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly arrive at the Indian Air Force Station, Ambala, for the Rafale induction ceremony.
• Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly will participate in the swearing-in ceremony.
• The five Rafale aircraft to be formally installed in the 17th Squadron ‘Golden Arrows’ of the Indian Air Force, at Ambala Air Base.

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• French Defense Minister Florence Parly arrived in the national capital on an official visit Thursday morning, ahead of the formal induction of the first five Rafale jets of the Indian Air Force at Ambala.
• To be formally installed at the IAF, the Rafale fighter jet will be part of Squadron 17, the “Golden Arrows.” The first five Rafale planes of the Indian Air Force arrived at Ambala Air Force Station from France on July 27, 2020.
• In Ambala, the program will include the ceremonial inauguration of the Rafale aircraft, a traditional ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’, Rafale and Tejas Air Display, as well as the ‘Sarang Aerobatic Team’.
• Subsequently, a traditional water cannon salute will be performed to the Rafale aircraft. The program will culminate with the induction ceremony of the Rafale aircraft to Squadron 17.
• After the ceremonial acts, the delegation of India and France will have a bilateral meeting.
• The first batch of five Rafale aircraft arrived in India on July 29, almost four years after India signed an intergovernmental agreement with France to purchase 36 aircraft for ₹ 59,000 crore.
• The Rafale jets, built by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, are known for their air superiority and precision strikes on ground targets, making them truly multi-role aircraft.