New Delhi: Describing the arrival of five Rafale fighter jets as a historic day for the Indian Air Force and a proud moment for India, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said they are the world’s most powerful machines capable of thwarting any challenge in the sky.
In a series of tweets, Shah also said the Modi government is committed to building on India’s defence capabilities and added that the world class fighter jets will prove to be a “game changer”.
“Rafale touchdown is a historic day for our vigorous @IAF_MCC and a proud moment for India! These are the world’s most powerful machines capable to thwart any challenge in the sky. I am sure Rafale will help our Air warriors to safeguard our skies with its mighty superiority,” he said.
The home minister said the induction of the next generation aircraft is a true testimony of the prime minister’s resolve to make India a powerful and secure nation.
Shah also thanked Modi for providing this “unprecedented strength” to the IAF.
“From speed to weapon capabilities, Rafale is way ahead! I am sure these world class fighter jets will prove to be a game changer. Congratulations to PM @narendramodi ji, DM @rajnathsingh ji, Indian Air Force and the entire country on this momentous day. #RafaleInIndia,” he said.
Five French-manufactured Rafale multi-role combat jets touched down at the IAF station Ambala on Wednesday.
The Modi government had inked a Rs 59,000-crore deal in 2016 to procure 36 Rafale jets from aerospace major Dassault Aviation.
The fleet, comprising three single-seater and two twin-seater aircraft, are being inducted into the IAF as part of its Ambala-based No 17 Squadron, also known as the ‘Golden Arrows’.
Also read: Balakot, Kargil, 1971 — Rafale base at Ambala steeped in history, military significance
Sudarshan congrats, u have hit the bull´s eye, I may just add Amit Shah is a kid, he Ramboes with 5 Rafael. after 15 yrs, but so are the rest in the politics the landing pace for looser/lyres..
Amit Shah’s opinion on Rafael????? What is your opinion about Einstein?????? Sheesh, what page filler!..
Rafale is certainly superior to whatever China has but take a cold and sober look at their air defence systems which have the S 400 from Russia. It can take out planes from over 300 kms away. Rafale has never operated against nations which have strong air defences. Mali , Syria and Iraq simply don’t count. So, in a real combat situation it will be Rafales vs S 400 and NOT Rafales vs J 20 / J 17. Much depends on how Rafale can deceive the S 400 radar systems which are already deployed in Aksai Chin and Tibet. In a true combat situation, there will be some losses and attrition , but whoever survives will first have to take out the S 400 batteries of China.
That is the real reason why just 36 aircraft will not be enough . The IAF’s original requirement for 126 planes is closer to what is really required. The Govt must work overtime on the original air staff requirement.