The Indian Air Force (IAF) is formally set to induct the Rafale in its fleet. Built by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, these fighter jets are known for air-superiority and precision strikes on ground targets, making them truly multi-role jets.
Water cannon salute given to the five #Rafale fighter aircraft at Ambala airbase#RafaleInduction @rajnathsingh @IAF_MCC @DefenceMinIndia @Indian_Embassy @florence_parly pic.twitter.com/ze7MtaQJrt
— DD News (@DDNewslive) September 10, 2020
The first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29, nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to buy 36 jets for ₹ 59,000 crore.
A traditional water cannon salute was given to the Rafale fleet before its ceremonial induction into the 17 Squadron, IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Indranil Nandi said.
#WATCH Indigenous light combat aircraft Tejas performs during Rafale induction ceremony, at Ambala airbase pic.twitter.com/5SSQQHzDnT
— ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2020
The induction of one of the most potent combat jets globally will give the country’s air power a strategic edge in the midst of a bitter border row with China in eastern Ladakh. The fleet, comprising three single seater and two twin seater aircraft, are being inducted into the IAF as part of its Ambala-based No 17 Squadron, also known as the ‘Golden Arrows’.
Make in India has been a reality for French industries for several years, particularly for defence equipment…But this is not only a military or industrial project. There is bubble of friendship,” Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly said at Ambala airbase.
