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.
“This induction couldn’t have come at a better time given the security situation,” Air Force Chief RKS Bhadauria said. Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly attended the Rafale induction ceremony at the IAF station in Ambala, Haryana on Thursday. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar also attended the ceremony. 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.