IAF equips second squadron with Rafale fighter aircraft

101 Squadron is the second IAF Squadron to be equipped with Rafale combat aircraft. The Squadron was formed on 1 May, 1949 at Palam and has operated Harvard, Spitfire, Vampire, Su-7 and MiG-21M aircrafts in the past.

New Delhi: The Indian Air force today formally inducted the Rafale combat aircraft into the 101 Squadron of the Air force at the Air Force Station Hasimara in the Eastern Air Command. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall RKS Bhadauria presided over the induction ceremony. The ceremony also included a fly-past heralding the arrival of the Rafale aircraft to Hasimara followed by a traditional water cannon salute.

Addressing the personnel during the induction ceremony, CAS said that the induction of Rafale had been carefully planned at Hasimara; keeping in mind the importance of strengthening IAF's capability in the Eastern Sector. Recalling the glorious history of 101 Squadron which bestowed upon them the title of 'Falcons of Chamb and Akhnoor', CAS urged the personnel to combine their zeal and commitment with the unmatched potential of the newly inducted platform.

He said that he had no doubt that the Squadron would dominate whenever and wherever required and ensure that the adversary would always be intimidated by their sheer presence.

101 Squadron is the second IAF Squadron to be equipped with Rafale aircraft. The Squadron was formed on 1 May, 1949 at Palam and has operated Harvard, Spitfire, Vampire, Su-7 and MiG-21M aircrafts in the past.

The glorious history of this Squadron includes active participation in 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars.