"We're doing our best to deliver Rafale on time. I can understand that this part of the world requires fighter aircraft in order to preserve peace of the country," said Dassault CEO, on media reports on IAF pushing for faster aircraft delivery, in view of situation on India-China border.
IAF formally inducts Rafale jets at Ambala airbase
rafale
14:24 September 10
12:11 September 10
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presents induction scroll of Rafale fighter jets to Group Captain Harkeerat Singh, Commanding Officer, 17 Squadron 'Golden Arrows' of the Indian Air Force.
12:00 September 10
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presents a memento to French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parley, at the Rafale induction ceremony in Ambala airbase.
11:57 September 10
"We are fully committed to 'Make in India' initiative, as well as, to the further integration of the Indian manufacturers in our global supply chain," said French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parley.
"France supports India’s candidacy for the UN Security Council," she added.
11:54 September 10
French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly said: "Today, is an achievement for our countries. We are writing a new chapter in India-France defence ties. The name ‘Rafale’ symbolises incredible strength. It also symbolises our ties."
11:48 September 10
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said: "In my recent foreign trip, I put the point of view of India in front of the world. I also made everyone aware of our resolve to not compromise our sovereignty&territorial integrity under any circumstances. We're committed to doing everything possible towards this."
"I would like to congratulate our colleagues of Indian Air Force today. During the recent unfortunate incident at the border, the swift and deliberate action taken by Indian Air Force near LAC shows your commitment," he added.
11:30 September 10
"The induction of Rafale into IAF also represents the strong ties between India and France. The strategic ties between our two countries have also strengthened," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.
"Rafale induction is a big & stern message for the entire world, especially to those eyeing our sovereignty. This induction is important considering the kind of atmosphere at our borders or should I say the kind of atmosphere created at our borders," Defense Minister added.
11:28 September 10
Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria thanked the French Air Force for its support during the delivery of the aircraft in July.
“This induction could not have happened at a more opportune time considering the security scenario today. This ceremony also marks the operational induction of this aircraft into the Indian Air Force," Bhadauria said.
11:19 September 10
IAF’s Sarang helicopter display team is performing aerobatic manoeuvres.
11:09 September 10
Water cannon salute was given to the five Rafale fighter aircraft at Ambala airbase.
10:52 September 10
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly witness air display of Rafale fighter aircraft flanked by SU-30 and Jaguar aircraft in arrow formation
10:35 September 10
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly, witness the traditional 'Sarva Dharma Puja' at the Rafale induction ceremony, at Ambala airbase.
10:22 September 10
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly arrive at the Indian Air Force Station, Ambala, for the Rafale induction ceremony.
09:44 September 10
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Armed Forces of France Florence Parly leave for Ambala to take part in Rafale induction ceremony.
09:24 September 10
Rajnath Singh meets French Defence Minister Florence Parly
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets Florence Parly, Minister of Armed Forces of France, at Palam Air Force Station before leaving for Ambala.
09:15 September 10
French Defence Minister arrives in Delhi
French Defence Minister Florence Parly arrived here in the national capital on an official visit on Thursday morning, ahead of the formal induction of the first five Indian Air Force Rafale jets at Ambala.
06:08 September 10
IAF to formally induct Rafale aircraft today
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force will formally induct the newly acquired Rafale fighter jets on Thursday at its airbase in Ambala in Haryana, around 200 km from here.
The aircraft will be part of the IAF's 17 Squadron, known as 'Golden Arrows'. It was resurrected in September last year.
A galaxy of dignitaries including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar will attend the ceremony.
The first five Rafale aircraft had arrived in Ambala from France on July 27, 2020. The jets flew from the Merignac airbase in the port city of Bordeaux and landed for a stopover at Al Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates after covering a distance of nearly 7,000 km. A day later, they flew again and landed at the Ambala airbase.
"The program will include ceremonial unveiling of the Rafale aircraft, a traditional 'Sarva Dharma Puja', air display by Rafale and Tejas aircraft as well as by 'Sarang aerobatic team'," an IAF spokesperson said, describing the ceremony as a "very important milestone" in the history of the force.
Afterwards, a traditional water cannon salute will be given to the Rafale aircraft.
The programme will culminate with the ceremonial induction of Rafale aircraft to the 17 Squadron.
Rafale would be a game-changer in the current scenario when India is involved in border tension with China in eastern Ladakh. The aircraft will increase India's air power manifold.
Rafale is a 4.5 generation aircraft and has the latest weapons, superior sensors and fully integrated architecture.
The French delegation will be represented by Emmanuel Lenain, the Ambassador of France to India, Air General Eric Autellet, Vice Chief of Air Staff of the French Air Force, and other senior officials.
Rafale is an Omni-role aircraft which mean it can carry out at least four missions in one sortie.
Further, the aircraft is armed with HAMMER missile, beyond-visual-range missiles like Meteor, SCALP and MICA, thereby increasing its ability to take on incoming targets from a distance.
(with inputs from agencies)
14:24 September 10
"We're doing our best to deliver Rafale on time. I can understand that this part of the world requires fighter aircraft in order to preserve peace of the country," said Dassault CEO, on media reports on IAF pushing for faster aircraft delivery, in view of situation on India-China border.
12:11 September 10
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presents induction scroll of Rafale fighter jets to Group Captain Harkeerat Singh, Commanding Officer, 17 Squadron 'Golden Arrows' of the Indian Air Force.
12:00 September 10
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presents a memento to French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parley, at the Rafale induction ceremony in Ambala airbase.
11:57 September 10
"We are fully committed to 'Make in India' initiative, as well as, to the further integration of the Indian manufacturers in our global supply chain," said French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parley.
"France supports India’s candidacy for the UN Security Council," she added.
11:54 September 10
French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly said: "Today, is an achievement for our countries. We are writing a new chapter in India-France defence ties. The name ‘Rafale’ symbolises incredible strength. It also symbolises our ties."
11:48 September 10
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said: "In my recent foreign trip, I put the point of view of India in front of the world. I also made everyone aware of our resolve to not compromise our sovereignty&territorial integrity under any circumstances. We're committed to doing everything possible towards this."
"I would like to congratulate our colleagues of Indian Air Force today. During the recent unfortunate incident at the border, the swift and deliberate action taken by Indian Air Force near LAC shows your commitment," he added.
11:30 September 10
"The induction of Rafale into IAF also represents the strong ties between India and France. The strategic ties between our two countries have also strengthened," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.
"Rafale induction is a big & stern message for the entire world, especially to those eyeing our sovereignty. This induction is important considering the kind of atmosphere at our borders or should I say the kind of atmosphere created at our borders," Defense Minister added.
11:28 September 10
Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria thanked the French Air Force for its support during the delivery of the aircraft in July.
“This induction could not have happened at a more opportune time considering the security scenario today. This ceremony also marks the operational induction of this aircraft into the Indian Air Force," Bhadauria said.
11:19 September 10
IAF’s Sarang helicopter display team is performing aerobatic manoeuvres.
11:09 September 10
Water cannon salute was given to the five Rafale fighter aircraft at Ambala airbase.
10:52 September 10
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly witness air display of Rafale fighter aircraft flanked by SU-30 and Jaguar aircraft in arrow formation
10:35 September 10
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly, witness the traditional 'Sarva Dharma Puja' at the Rafale induction ceremony, at Ambala airbase.
10:22 September 10
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly arrive at the Indian Air Force Station, Ambala, for the Rafale induction ceremony.
09:44 September 10
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Armed Forces of France Florence Parly leave for Ambala to take part in Rafale induction ceremony.
09:24 September 10
Rajnath Singh meets French Defence Minister Florence Parly
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets Florence Parly, Minister of Armed Forces of France, at Palam Air Force Station before leaving for Ambala.
09:15 September 10
French Defence Minister arrives in Delhi
French Defence Minister Florence Parly arrived here in the national capital on an official visit on Thursday morning, ahead of the formal induction of the first five Indian Air Force Rafale jets at Ambala.
06:08 September 10
IAF to formally induct Rafale aircraft today
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force will formally induct the newly acquired Rafale fighter jets on Thursday at its airbase in Ambala in Haryana, around 200 km from here.
The aircraft will be part of the IAF's 17 Squadron, known as 'Golden Arrows'. It was resurrected in September last year.
A galaxy of dignitaries including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar will attend the ceremony.
The first five Rafale aircraft had arrived in Ambala from France on July 27, 2020. The jets flew from the Merignac airbase in the port city of Bordeaux and landed for a stopover at Al Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates after covering a distance of nearly 7,000 km. A day later, they flew again and landed at the Ambala airbase.
"The program will include ceremonial unveiling of the Rafale aircraft, a traditional 'Sarva Dharma Puja', air display by Rafale and Tejas aircraft as well as by 'Sarang aerobatic team'," an IAF spokesperson said, describing the ceremony as a "very important milestone" in the history of the force.
Afterwards, a traditional water cannon salute will be given to the Rafale aircraft.
The programme will culminate with the ceremonial induction of Rafale aircraft to the 17 Squadron.
Rafale would be a game-changer in the current scenario when India is involved in border tension with China in eastern Ladakh. The aircraft will increase India's air power manifold.
Rafale is a 4.5 generation aircraft and has the latest weapons, superior sensors and fully integrated architecture.
The French delegation will be represented by Emmanuel Lenain, the Ambassador of France to India, Air General Eric Autellet, Vice Chief of Air Staff of the French Air Force, and other senior officials.
Rafale is an Omni-role aircraft which mean it can carry out at least four missions in one sortie.
Further, the aircraft is armed with HAMMER missile, beyond-visual-range missiles like Meteor, SCALP and MICA, thereby increasing its ability to take on incoming targets from a distance.
(with inputs from agencies)
Last Updated : Sep 10, 2020, 2:36 PM IST
