The IAF formally inducted the Rafale aircraft in 17 Squadron ‘Golden Arrows’ on Thursday at Air Force Station, Ambala. The ceremony also marked Rafale’s full operational entry into IAF.
Defence Minister Rajnath singh congratulated the IAF and tweeted, “मैं ऐतिहासिक 17 squadron को विशेष बधाई देना चाहूँगा। भारतीय पराक्रम के इतिहास में आपका नाम चमकीले अक्षरों में दर्ज़ है। Rafale का induction, ‘Golden arrows’ को नई चमक देगा। आप सभी ‘Rafale’, यानि ‘तूफ़ान’ की तरह गतिशील रहकर देश की ‘अखंडता’ और ‘संप्रभुता’ की रक्षा करते रहें: RM”
#RafaleInduction
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 10, 2020
IAF has formally inducted the #Rafale aircraft in 17 Squadron ‘Golden Arrows’ today, at Air Force Station, Ambala. The ceremony also marks #Rafale’s full operational entry into IAF.
Glimpses of the Rafale in action with IAF. pic.twitter.com/WfohU5vMET
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh and the French Minister for the Armed Forces, Ms @florence_parly unveiling Rafale at Ambala Air Force Station. pic.twitter.com/I5926bLqXG
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 10, 2020
मैं ऐतिहासिक 17 squadron को विशेष बधाई देना चाहूँगा। भारतीय पराक्रम के इतिहास में आपका नाम चमकीले अक्षरों में दर्ज़ है। Rafale का induction, ‘Golden arrows’ को नई चमक देगा। आप सभी ‘Rafale’, यानि ‘तूफ़ान’ की तरह गतिशील रहकर देश की ‘अखंडता’ और ‘संप्रभुता’ की रक्षा करते रहें: RM
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 10, 2020
It is boosting India’s air power capability at a time when the country is embroiled in a border dispute with China in eastern Ladakh. Several other officials, including Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parley, Chief Defense Chairman Bipin Rawat and Air Chief Marshal R KS Bhadauria attended the function.
The ceremony of induction of Rafale aircraft into the 17th Squadron of the Indian Air Force featured the traditional ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’, saluting the planes with water splashes as well as many heart-stopping feats by the aircraft. The Indian Air Force welcomed the new aircraft in its arsenal in a tweet. The multi-role Rafale aircraft manufactured by French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation is known for their superiority and precision.
Many senior officials were present including CDS Rawat
The ceremony was also attended by Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Air Force Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Defense Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, DRDO Chairman Dr G Satish Reddy, Ministry of Defense and several senior officers of the Armed Forces. On this occasion, the French delegation will be represented by Emmanuel Lenin, Ambassador of France to India, Air Force Chief Eric Outlet, Deputy Chief of the French Air Force and other senior officers.
5 Rafale
This day is considered to be very important for the Air Force facing a shortage of state-of-the-art fighter aircraft, as Rafale, who has the power to change the balance of power in the region, became the pride of his fleet of fighters on this day. The first consignment of five Rafale aircraft considered a trump card for the Air Force, arrived in India in July itself. The Air Force has signed a deal to purchase 36 Rafale fighter jets from France at a cost of 59 thousand crores. The next consignment of four more aircraft is expected in October.
