To enhance its combat potential against the Chinese aggression in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian Air Force will formally induct its latest Rafale fighter jets at the Ambala airbase today at 10 am in the presence of defence minister Rajnath Singh.
The new Rafale fighters, expected to add more muscle to the Indian Air Force’s ability, will be deployed in the Ladakh sector as part of India’s overarching plan to strengthen its military posture in the region.
The induction of the jets event, considered to be a major boost to India’s air defence, will be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Florence Parly, Minister of the Armed Forces of France, will be the chief guests at the event. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO along with A galaxy of dignitaries will be present to mark a very important milestone in the IAF’s history.
At 10.00 AM tomorrow, #Rafale aircraft will be formally inducted into @IAF_MCC at the Air Force Station in Ambala. The aircraft will be part of 17 Squadron, the “Golden Arrows”. The Rafale jets are India's first major acquisition of fighter planes in more than two decades.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 9, 2020
The programme will culminate with the ceremonial induction of Rafale aircraft to 17 Squadron. After the ceremonial events, the Indian and French delegation will have a bilateral meeting. India has received ten Rafale jets so far and five of them are stayed back in France for imparting training to IAF pilots. By the end June 2021, all 36 aircraft is scheduled to be delivered to India.