The Rafale aircrafts are formally inducted into the Indian Air Force today at Ambala air base after landing in India on 27 July.
The fourth-gen flying machines received a jet water cannon salute in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and the Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.
The grand induction ceremony also saw the IAF officials putting on the air display making several formations in the air and welcoming the Rafale as a part of ‘Golden Arrows’ squadron.
The Defence Minister in the ceremony also talked about the India-France defence partnership and gave out an important message by stating, “The induction of Rafale is a strong message for the world and especially for those who challenge India’s sovereignty. The induction is a very important step in light of the prevailing security conditions that prevail, or I would say, that have been created along India’s borders.” in the wake of the on-going Indo-China conflict.
The induction of Rafale is a strong message for the world and especially for those who challenge India’s sovereignty. The induction is a very important step in light of the prevailing security conditions that prevail, or I would say, that have been created along India’s borders.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 10, 2020
Post the induction ceremony, the Indian Air Force also shared an incredible video on their social media account showing the Rafale jets in action .
Take a look:
#RafaleInduction
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
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 10, 2020
