The IAF had listed advanced heavy lift Chinook helicopters in the 126th helicopter flight squadron at the 12-wing air force station in Chandigarh in March 2019. A crucial operating base, the Chandigarh station is considered the backbone. spinal cord of troops deployed in high altitude areas. like Ladakh and Kargil.
The versatile and multi-functional AN-32 and IL-76 strategic lift aircraft housed at Chandigarh air base form the backbone of the nation’s security in the J&K, Siachen and Ladakh sectors and have played vital roles in various conflicts. .
Later, the IAF had listed Apache helicopters as part of the 125-helicopter squad, popularly called the IAF’s ‘Gladiators’, at Pathankot Air Base last September. Pathankot provides essential operational range for deep air strikes throughout the western and northern theater to deal with any eventuality.
Induction of Rafale at Ambala Air Base, which is the oldest and largest air base in the country, would provide more air power to the armed forces protecting the country’s borders in the most inhospitable conditions in the Jammu and Kashmir regions. and Ladakh from Pakistan and China.
A traditional water cannon salute was also given to the Rafale aircraft, symbolizing the formal induction of the flying machine into the IAF. Before the unveiling ceremony of the Rafale jets, a traditional ‘Sarva Dharma Puja (a prayer by Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian preachers) was performed.
The Chief of Defense Staff, General Bipin Rawat, IAF Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, and Secretary of Defense Ajay Kumar were present at the ceremony. In addition to Parly, the French delegation included Emmanuel Lenain, French ambassador to India, and people from French industry.
On Video: With Rafale Aircraft Induction, IAF Gets Big Airpower Boost On Western Front
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