Guwahati: The Rafale jets that arrived in India last month, would now be formally inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) by defence minister Rajnath Singh at Ambala airbase in Haryana on September 10.
The ceremonial induction is likely to be attended by French defence minister Florence Parly as a mark of strategic friendship between the two countries.
The induction ceremony of Rafale jets would be held after the return of defence minister Rajnath Singh from Russia where he will meet defence ministers of the member countries of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation from September 4 to 6, said media reports.
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“The Rafale aircraft induction ceremony would be held on September 10 with the Defence Minister as the Chief Guest. The French Defence Minister is also being sent an invite to attend the event to mark the strategic friendship between India and France,” said sources to national news agency ANI.
India received five Rafale jets from France last month and had started extensive training with the aircraft within 24 hours of touching down in the country. The Rafale jets are a part of the 17 Golden Arrows squadron of the Indian Air Force.
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The Rafale jets armed with the air-to-air Meteor, air to ground SCALP and Hammer missiles will give an edge to the Indian Air Force over China and Pakistan in the South Asian skies due to its long-range hit and advanced warfare capabilities.
