First batch of Rafale jets formally inducted in IAF

First batch of five Rafale jets which arrived in India from France on July 29 was formally inducted into Indian Air Force at an impressive ceremony in Ambala. The event was attended by Union defence minister, Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly.

The defence ministers were present for the traditional 'Sarva Dharma Puja', following which they witnessed the air display of Rafale fighter aircraft flanked by SU-30 and Jaguar aircraft in arrow formation

Chief of defence staff, General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the air staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, defence Secretary Ajay Kumar along with other senior officers of ministry of defence and armed forces were also present to mark the important milestone in the history of the IAF.

The multirole and one of the most advanced flying machines, Rafale would be part of 17-Squadron, which is popularly known as the “Golden Arrows”, at the Ambala airbase.