Rafale jets formally inducted into IAF, put up aerobatics display at Ambala Air Station

Rafale jets were formally deployed into IAF Squadron No. 17, known as the Golden Arrows. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French minister Florence Parly were among those present.

Indian pilots climb out of a Rafale fighter jet that was operationally inducted into the IAF on 10 September 2020 | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrint

Ambala: The French-made Rafale jets were deployed into Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Squadron No. 17, also known as Golden Arrows, in Ambala, Thursday.

At an induction ceremony of the five jets, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said it was a “very important step in light of the prevailing security conditions” along India’s borders.

French Minister of Armed Forces Florence Parly and IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria also attended the induction ceremony.

ThePrint’s National Photo Editor Praveen Jain and Senior Associate Editor Snehesh Alex Philip brings you glimpses from the event in Ambala.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with his French counterpart Florence Parly during the induction ceremony | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrint

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the IAF plays an important role in maintaining military deterrence| Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrint

Rajnath Singh and Florence Parly watching the aerobatic manoeuvres of the Rafale jets during the induction ceremony | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrint

Rafale jets with Su 30 MKI and Jaguar aircraft | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrint

Rafale pilots march away after the aerobatic performance at Ambala Air station | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrint

IAF Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria’s wife Asha Bhadauria (extreme right) speaks to an IAF officer as Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat (extreme left) looks on | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrint

IAF officers at the ceremony | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrint

Air Chief Marshal R.K.S Bhadauria (left) with French minister Florence Parly | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrint

IAF pilots and their wives were among the audience at the induction ceremony | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrint

A fire engine gives a water canon salute as a Rafale fighter jet passes by | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrint

Rajnath Singh, Florence Parly, General Bipin Rawat and Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria were among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony Thursday | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrint