The first batch of five Rafale fighter jets was formally inducted into the Air Force at Ambala Airbase on Thursday amid rising tensions over a dispute with China in East Ladakh. Raphael planes have been added to the Air Force's fleet after a salute from the Water Cannon. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and French Defense Minister Florence Parley witnessed this historic moment.
Raphael is a fourth generation fighter jet. It is a fighter jet capable of playing many roles. Capable of ground support, depth strike and anti-ship attack. Its strength can be gauged from the fact that it is capable of carrying small nuclear weapons. The Raphael is capable of carrying a weight of 9500 kg.
#WATCH Live from Ambala: Rafale induction ceremony at IAF airbase https://t.co/uEJiV3yiDK
— ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2020
The Raphael aircraft were built by the French company The Salt Aviation. Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Anderlein Nandi said the Raphael aircraft have been added to the squadron's 17th Squadron. It can fly with a maximum weight of 24,500 kg.
Ambala: 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 pic.twitter.com/Vb19HhyPqt
— ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2020
The inauguration ceremony of the Raphael aircraft was held at Ambala Air Base. Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and French Defense Minister Florence Parle joined the interfaith prayer meeting. The Chief of Air Staff and CDS (Chief of Defense Staff) were also present on the occasion. After that, five Rafale planes enchanted the people by showing somersaults in the air. Thus the Raphael became the new force of the Indian Air Force.
