IN PICS: Five Rafale fighter jets formally inducted by Indian Air Force

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Navdeep YadavSep 10, 2020, 13:34 IST
IN PICS: Five Rafale fighter jets formally inducted by Indian Air Force

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  • Indian Air Force today formally inducted five Rafale fighter jets at a glittering ceremony at the Ambala air base.
  • The induction of Rafale brings in a major boost to India’s air power capability at a time when the country is engaged in a border stand-off with its neighbour China.
  • Here are some highlights from the glittering ceremony at the Ambala air base today.
  • Check out the latest news and updates on Business Insider.
Indian Air Force today formally inducted five Rafale fighter jets to the fleet of IAF’s 17 Squadron, the “Golden Arrows” at a glittering ceremony in the Ambala air base.

The induction of Rafale brings in a major boost to India’s air power capability at a time when the country is engaged in a border stand-off with its neighbour China in eastern Ladakh. These Rafale jets are India’s first major acquisition of fighter jets in 23 years after the Sukhoi jets were inducted in IAF fleet.

“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,” tweeted Indian Defence minister Rajnath Singh.

You can watch the air display of Rafale at the induction ceremony here.

Here are some highlights from the glittering ceremony at the Ambala air base today:
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The induction ceremony was addressed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria were also among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony today.

The induction ceremony was addressed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria were also among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony today.
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A traditional ‘sarva dharma puja’ followed the induction ceremony, and a ceremonial ‘water cannon salute’ was given to the Rafale jets.

A traditional ‘sarva dharma puja’ followed the induction ceremony, and a ceremonial ‘water cannon salute’ was given to the Rafale jets.
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A fleet of indigenously-developed combat jet Tejas and Sarang helicopter aerobatic team of the IAF displayed a range of breathtaking aerial maneuvers, demonstrating their agility at the ceremony.

A fleet of indigenously-developed combat jet Tejas and Sarang helicopter aerobatic team of the IAF displayed a range of breathtaking aerial maneuvers, demonstrating their agility at the ceremony.
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The multi-role Rafale jets, built by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, are known for air-superiority and precision strikes.

The multi-role Rafale jets, built by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, are known for air-superiority and precision strikes.
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The new Rafale jets are capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. European missile maker MBDA’s Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile, and Scalp cruise missile will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets.

The new Rafale jets are capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. European missile maker MBDA’s Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile, and Scalp cruise missile will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets.
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