Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday formally installed the five Rafale fighter jets, which arrived in India on July 29, in the Indian Air Force (IAF). The induction ceremony takes place at Ambala Air Force Base, where IAF Squadron 17, also called ‘Golden Arrows’, is based. India’s first five Rafale fighters will be part of the ‘Golden Arrows’ squad.
The Rafale jets received a water cannon salute at the induction ceremony after the Rafale, Su-30 and Jaguars performed impressive aerial maneuvers.
Previously, Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly witnessed the ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’ at Ambala Air Base.
In addition to the Defense Minister, her French counterpart Florence Parly is the main guest of the event. IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria, Defense Chief of Staff General Bipin Rawat, and Defense Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar are also part of the ceremony.
In September 2016, India and France signed an agreement for 36 Rafale fighter jets. TO ₹60,000 crore is the largest defense agreement ever signed by India. Manohar Parrikar, who passed away last year, was the defense minister at the time the agreement was signed.
Rafale induction represents strong ties between India and France, says Rajnath Singh
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, during the Rafale induction ceremony in Ambala, said that the induction of these fighter jets represents strong ties between India and France. Strategic ties between the two countries have also been strengthened, he added.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, during the Rafale induction ceremony in Ambala, said that the induction of these fighter jets represents strong ties between India and France. Strategic ties between the two countries have also been strengthened, he added.
Rafale jets perform aerial maneuvers with Su-30, Jaguars
Rafale, Su-30 and Jaguars showed arrowhead formation; impressive low-speed aerial maneuvers performed at the induction ceremony at Ambala Air Force station.
Rajnath Singh, Florence Parly depart for Ambala Air Force Station
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly left for Ambala, where they will participate in the Rafale jets induction ceremony.
First Posted: Sep 10, 2020 09:24 AM IST
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