Defence minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly witnessed the ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’ at the Ambala Air Force station as the Rafale induction ceremony started.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday formally inducted the five Rafale fighter jets, which arrived in India on July 29, in the Indian Air Force (IAF). The induction ceremony is taking place at the Ambala Air Force base, where IAF’s 17 Squadron, also called ‘Golden Arrows’, is based. India’s first five Rafale fighters will be a part of the ‘Golden Arrows’ squadron.
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.
Earlier, Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly witnessed the ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’ at the Ambala airbase.
Besides the defence minister, his French counterpart Florence Parly is the chief guest of the event. IAF chief RKS Bhadauria, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, too, are also a part of the ceremony.
In September 2016, India and France had signed a deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets. At ₹60,000 crore it is the largest-ever defence deal signed by India. Manohar Parrikar, who passed away last year, was the defence minister at the time the deal was signed.
The Rafale jets were given a water salute at the induction ceremony in Ambala after stunning air maneuvers were performed by the Rafale, Su-30 and Jaguars.
Rafale jets perform air maneuvers with Su-30, Jaguars
Rafale, Su-30 and Jaguars displayed arrowhead formation; stunning low-speed air maneuvers performed at induction ceremony at the Ambala Air Force station.
Defence minsiter Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly witnessed the ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’ at the Rafale induction ceremony, at the Ambala Air Force station, reports ANI.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly arrived at the Ambala Air Force station for the Rafale induction ceremony. India’s first five Rafale fighters will be a part of the ‘Golden Arrows’ squadron.
Rajnath Singh, Florence Parly leave for Ambala Air Force Station
Defence minister Rajnath Singh and his french counterpart Florence Parly have left for Ambala where they will be participating in the induction ceremony of the Rafale jets.
Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly receives a ceremonial Guard of Honour
Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly receives a ceremonial Guard of Honour on her arrival at Delhi. She will attend the Rafale induction ceremony at Ambala, reports ANI.