Sanchit Sanjay Sawant
16th September 2020
Indian air force formally inducted 5 Rafale jets on 10th September, in a ceremony at Air force station Ambala, one of the oldest bases in the IAF. The new fleet will be a part of 17 Squadron of the IAF which was resurrected in Ambala in 2019.
"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 Rajhnath Singh said. The unveiling of Rafale jets was followed by a 'Sarva Dharma Puja'. The ceremony was attended by the French defence minister Florence Parly. She backed India's candidacy for the UN security council. CDS Bipin Rawat and Air chief Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhaduria were also present. The display in the air by Rafale and Tejas aircraft, and by 'Sarang Aerobatic Team', was followed by a traditional water cannon salute given to the jets. "Today is an achievement for our countries. Together we are writing a new chapter in India-France defence ties. 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 Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly.
India had purchased 36 new Rafale fighter jets for 7.87 billion euros in a deal inked with the French government in September 2016. "Today the induction of these jets is a big and stern message to the entire world especially to those eying 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," Rajnath Singh said in his speech.
Rafale is a multi-role combat aircraft with twin-engine medium, made by French company Dassault Aviation. Dassault stated that Rafale has 'Omnirole' capability to produce several actions at the same time, such as firing air-to-ground missiles at a very low height, air-to-air, and interceptions during the same attack. It is fitted with an on-board oxygen generation system (OBOGS) which prevents the need for liquid oxygen refilling or ground support for the production of oxygen. It carries out missions of a wide range: Air-superiority/air-defence, Reconnaissance, dynamic targeting with close air support, Air-to-ground precision interdiction/strike, nuclear deterrence, anti-ship attacks, and buddy-buddy refuelling.
(Sources: Crux News, The Indian express, Economic times)
Edited by Pratheek S