Rafale Ambala/UNI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) formally inducted the first batch of five French-made Rafale fighter aircraft at Ambala air base in Haryana on Thursday.
It is now part of 17 Squadron, the “Golden Arrow”.
A ceremonial unveiling of the Rafale aircraft, a traditional ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’, was conducted.
Air Display by Rafale and Tejas aircraft as well as by ‘Sarang Aerobatic Team’ were displayed here.
Afterwards, a traditional water cannon salute will be given to the Rafale aircraft.
At the induction ceremony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, IAF Chief ACM RKS Bhadauria were present.
Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy were also present on the occasion.
The fighter jets are expected to enhance the air capabilities of the IAF.
On Jul 27, the first batch of five Rafale aircraft arrived at Air Force Station in Ambala from France.
The French delegation was represented by French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain, Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the French Air Force Air General Eric Autellet and other senior officials.
A large delegation of senior functionaries of French Defence Industries which includes Eric Trappier Chairman and Chief Executive of Dassault Aviation and Mr Eric Beranger, CEO, MBDA were also present during the ceremony.
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