No Rafale jet has crashed near Ambala air base: GDP (@PIBFactCheck) | Photo credit: Twitter
Key points
- Rafale is a 4.5 generation aircraft
- Five Rafale aircraft were formally incorporated into the IAF on September 10, 2020
New Delhi: A tweet claiming that a Rafale fighter plane crashed near the Ambaba air base is circulating on social media. The social media post claimed that the newly incorporated aircraft crashed due to a technical problem and the pilot who was piloting it was martyred. However, the Press Information Office dismissed reports that a Rafale plane crashed near the Ambala air base and the government agency called the news reports false.
The clarification comes after a tweet reportedly posted by the Indian Air Force claiming that a Rafale fighter jet had crashed was going viral on social media. PIB clarified that the IAF did not publish any tweet about the Rafale accident and the news is false.
“Claim: An alleged tweet from @IAF_MCC claims that a Rafale jet fighter plane crashed near Ambala air base due to a technical failure and a pilot was martyred
#PIBFactCheck: The image is #Morphed. The IAF has not posted any such tweets. Also, no such incident has occurred #FakeNews ”, tweeted GDP.
Five French-made aircraft were formally incorporated into the IAF on September 10 in the presence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart, Minister Florence Parly. The event was also attended by the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.
Speaking on the occasion, Singh said the newly incorporated fighter jets can be deployed on short notice to the Royal Line of Control in East Ladakh.
“The induction of Rafale aircraft is a big and severe message for the whole world, especially for those who look towards our sovereignty. This type of induction is very important for the type of atmosphere that has been created on our borders,” said Singh .
“We understand very well that with the changing times, we also have to prepare. I am proud to say that our national security has been a high priority for Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Singh said.
Rafale is a 4.5 generation aircraft. India signed an intergovernmental agreement with France to purchase 36 Rafale aircraft at a cost of 59 billion rupees.
