Rafale fighter jets inducted into Indian Air Force

Air display of the first batch of IAF’s Rafale aircraft in an arrow formation followed by Jaguar and SU-30 aircraft. Earlier in the day, five Rafale aircraft have put up an air display along with Tejas followed by 'Sarang Aerobatic Team'. The program will culminate with the ceremonial induction of Rafale aircraft to 17 Squadron.

The induction of Rafale in IAF's fleet shows the strong relations between India and France. India and France have been economic, cultural and strategic partners since long said India Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Indian Air Force officers wearing protective face masks stand in front of a picture of a Rafale fighter jet. The first five Indian Air Force Rafale aircraft arrived at Air Force Station, Ambala from France on July 27, 2020.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (L) and his French counterpart Florence Parly (2R) arrive to attend an induction ceremony of Rafale jets into the Indian Air Force. 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 other senior officers of the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces were present to mark a very important milestone in the history of the IAF. The French delegation was represented by Emmanuel Lenain Ambassador of France to India, Air General Eric Autellet, Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the French Air Force and other senior officials.

Indian Air Force personnel march past a Rafale jet during its induction ceremony into the Indian Air Force at the Ambala Air Force Station in Ambala.

Firefighters give a water cannon salute to Rafale jets during an induction ceremony into the Indian Air Force at the Ambala Air Force Station in Ambala.

IAF helicopters 'Sarang' perform during the Rafale induction ceremony.

IAF helicopters 'Sarang' perform during the Rafale induction ceremony. The first five Indian Air Force Rafale aircraft arrived at Air Force Station, Ambala from France on July 27, 2020.

A French-made Rafale fighter jet flies during its induction ceremony at the Indian Air Force Station in Ambala. The first batch of five planes, part of a $8.78 billion deal signed between the two countries in 2016 had arrived here in July.

Rafale is an omni-role aircraft which means it can carry out at least four missions in one sortie. The fighter aircraft have HAMMER missiles. It will also be armed with beyond visual range missiles like Meteor, SCALP and MICA, increasing their capability to take on incoming targets from a distance. Above, an Indian Air Force pilot gets out of the cockpit of Rafale jet after a flight during an induction ceremony at the Ambala Air Force Station.

The 'Sarva Dharma Puja' involved priests of various religions. This puja was followed by air display of Rafale fighter aircraft flanked by SU-30 and Jaguar aircraft in an arrow formation.