Rafale jets are known for their air superiority and precision strikes on ground targets.
New Delhi:
The first batch of five Rafale multi-role fighter jets will formally join the Indian Air Force at 10am at Ambala Air Base in Haryana today. 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 traditional water cannon salute will be given to the Rafale fleet before their induction ceremony to Squad 17, said IAF spokesman, wing commander Indranil Nandi.
Here are some photos from the Rafale induction ceremony that will take place at 10 am:
The French-made multipurpose fighter jets will become part of the IAF’s 17th “Golden Arrows” Squadron.
The aircraft will be part of Squadron 17, the ‘Golden Arrows’
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will formally incorporate the Rafale aircraft into the Indian Air Force.
A second batch of four or five Rafale jets is likely to arrive in India in November.
So far, 10 Rafale aircraft have been delivered to India and five of them stayed in France to train IAF pilots.
The delivery of the 36 aircraft is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021.
Florence Parly, Minister of the French Armed Forces arrives in Delhi
Rajnath Singh and Florence Parly witness the traditional ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’
The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat and the Chief of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria arrive at the Indian Air Force Station, Ambala
Florence Parly receives a ceremonial Honor Guard upon arrival in Delhi.
Rajnath Singh meets with Florence Parly, Minister of the Armed Forces of France, at Palam Air Force Station before departing for Ambala.
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