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2020-11-15

Rafale Jets Inducted into IAF

In what is perceived as a major boost to India’s air power capability, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has formally inducted into service the first five of 36 Dassault Rafale multirole fighters it ordered in 2016 for EUR7.9 billion at a formal function in Ambala.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly were among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony at the Air Force Station recently.

It was Parly’s third visit to India since 2017 and one of her first official trips since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Singh has called the induction of Rafale “a historic moment and a very important milestone in the history of the IAF.”

He stated at the event that “the Rafale deal is a game changer for India’s national security and its induction is a strong message for the world and especially for those who challenge India’s sovereignty.”

Singh also said, “Strengthening our defence is aimed at achieving international peace and stability and we do not want to take any step that can endanger international peace. We have the same expectation of our neighbours and other countries. We have cooperated closely in a number of areas to enhance our defence cooperation. As part of the transfer of technology agreement, 6 Scorpene submarines are being built at the Mazagaon Docks. On the basis of this partnership, the first submarine, INS Kalvari was commissioned in 2017.”

He also highlighted the Indo-French cooperation in dealing with common challenges like maritime security and piracy in the Indo-Pacific region and Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The Indian defence minister also pitched for French investments in the Indian defence manufacturing sector.

He elaborated that in response to the call for ‘Self-reliant initiative’ by the prime minister, many policy reforms had been initiated such as manufacturing of defence equipment under the strategic-partnership model, enhancing Foreign Direct Investment up to 74 per cent by automatic route, establishment of two defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and reforms in Offsets.

“I am confident that French defence Industries will take advantage of this and France will continue to be our partner in our journey of indigenisation,” he added.

‘Symbol of Strong Relations’
Florence Parly, Minister of the Armed Forces of France, on her part said the induction of Rafale into the IAF was a symbol of strong relations between the two countries which was “rock solid and time tested.”

She said now, in military terms, India will acquire a world-class capability that would give New Delhi an incredible sovereignty and in strategic terms offer India an edge over the entire region to defend itself. She also assured timely delivery of the remaining aircraft.

Florence Parly also said France is fully committed to the “Make in India” initiative, which has been a reality for French industry for several years, particularly in defence sector like in submarines.

India’s Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production) Raj Kumar, Secretary Department of Defence Research & Development and Chairman DRDO, Dr G Satheesh Reddy, along with other senior officers of Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces attended the event.

The French delegation included 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.

A large delegation of senior functionaries of French Defence Industries which included Eric Trappier, Chairman and Chief Executive of Dassault Aviation and Beranger, CEO, MBDA were also present.

“I am strongly impressed by the efficiency and determination of the Indian Air Force and Indian Ministry of Defence, despite this unprecedented world health crisis, to master rapidly all aspects of the Rafale for bolstering Indian sovereignty and contributing to the protection and security of Indian people,” stated Eric Trappier.

He added, “This new milestone illustrates once again the exemplary cooperation between Dassault Aviation and the Indian Air Force, started in 1953, and reasserts our total commitment to fulfil IAF requirements for the decades to come, and to be part of India’s ambitious vision for the future.”

This first ferry testifies that the programme is running smoothly and that deliveries are on time in spite of COVID-19 pandemic.

The first five Rafale aircraft arrived at the Air Force Station in Ambala from France on 27th July 2020 and would be part of 17 Squadron, the “Golden Arrows”.

At that time, India’s Home Minister Amit Shah heralded the touchdown of Rafale fighter jets on Indian soil as a “game changer”.

“Rafale touchdown is a historic day for our vigorous Indian Air Force and a proud moment for India!” said Amit Shah in a tweet. “These are the world’s most powerful machines capable to thwart any challenge in the sky,” he had added.

The IAF too, in a tweet, welcomed the “new bird” into its arsenal.

The jets are India’s first major acquisition of fighter planes in 23 years after the Sukhoi jets were imported from Russia. Ten Rafale jets have been delivered to India so far and five of them stayed back in France for imparting training to IAF pilots. The second batch of four to five Rafale jets is likely to arrive in India by November. The delivery of all 36 aircraft is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021.

Before the ceremonial unveiling of the Rafale, a traditional ‘Sarva Dharma Ceremony’ was also performed. There was an Air Display by Rafale and Tejas aircraft as well as by ‘Sarang Aerobatic Team’ followed by a traditional water cannon salute to the Rafale aircraft. The ceremonial events were followed by a bilateral meeting between the Indian and French delegations.

Reference Text/Photo: https://pib.gov.in,www.dassault-aviation.com

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