The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Thursday inducted five Rafale fighter jets into its fleet at an event held at the Ambala air base in Haryana. The event was attended Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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Desribing 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.

“This induction couldn’t have come at a better time given the security situation,” Air Force Chief RKS Bhadauria said.

The fighter jets were welcomed by a traditional water cannon salute into the 17 squadron of the force. After a ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’, air display by Rafale and Tejas aircraft as well as by Sarang aerobatic team left the audience mesmerised.

The induction of the fighter jets, produced by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, has come at a time when India is engaged in a tense border conflict with China in eastern Ladakh.

While the first squadron of the Rafale jets will be stationed at Ambala air base, the second one will be based at Hasimara base in West Bengal, news agency PTI reported.

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First major acquisition of fighter jets in 23 years

The Rafale jets are India’s first major acquisition of fighter planes in 23 year after the Sukhoi jets were imported from Russia. India has purchased 36 jets from France and ten have been delivered. While five have arrived, other five have stayed back in France for training of IAF pilots. The delivery of all 36 Rafales is likely to be completed by 2021.

Rafale’s unmatched capability

The Rafale jets are known to be one of the most advanced and lethal fighter aircraft in the world at present. The jets are capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. The weapons package of the jets will include European missile maker MBDA’s deadly Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile and Scalp cruise missile.

The Rafale can attain a maximum speed of Mach 1.8/750 Kt.v(2,222.6km per hour). Its advanced engine is capable of allowing the throttle to shift from combat to idle power in less than three seconds. The fighter jet can attain a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet and is capable of travelling for 3700 kms without refuelling.