Rafale jets will strengthen India, France ties: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Describing the induction of Rafale jets in the Indian Air Force (IAF) as an important and historic event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said this will strengthen defence ties between India and France. The induction of Rafale jets is a gamechanger for national defence, he added.

A batch of five Rafale fighter jets were formally inducted into the Indian AirForce on Thursday. India’s first five Rafale fighters will be a part of the ‘Golden Arrows’ squadron.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly arrived at the Ambala air base in Haryana for the induction ceremony of the five Rafale jets. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar also attended the ceremony.

The Rafale jets were given a water cannon salute at the induction ceremony after stunning air maneuvers were performed by the Rafale, Su-30 and Jaguars.

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Earlier, Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly witnessed the ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’ at the Ambala airbase.

The first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29. The delivery of all 36 fighter jets purchased from French company Dassault Aviation is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021.