AMBALA: Stating that Rafale fighters, which were formally inducted into the IAF at Ambala airbase on Thursday, gave the IAF an edge over the entire region, French Minister for the Armed Forces Florence Parly said the combat-proven aircraft provided an invaluable sovereign tool to India to meet its security requirements.
She said the aircraft not only adds to India’s military capability, but also strengthens the country’s technological and industrial base. She said France is fully committed to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and several more French establishments would be involved in projects in India.
Stressing that France fully supports India’s candidature for the United Nations Security Council, Parly added that the induction of the Rafale is testimony to the strong Indo-French strategic partnership, which would further strengthen in the coming post-Vivid times. She added that the partnership is based on mutual trust and commonality of interests.
Terming Rafale to be a gamec-hanger, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the induction of the aircraft had sent a strong message to our adversaries.
Stating that the IAF needs to look into new emerging challenges in the field of terrorism, NBC, artificial intelligence and unconventional warfare, he said that the defence capabilities need to be constantly upgraded.
He said India’s commitments are not just restricted to own borders, but have expanded into the Indian Ocean Region as well as the Indo-Pacific and India’s role has been well-received internationally.
He also appreciated the IAF’s role and deployment in difficult times and said that the IAF is a strong deterrent element.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said the the Rafale induction could not have come at a more appropriate time, given the current security situation.
He added that that the aircraft has been been operationally integrated with rest of the IAF fleet and the crew has undergone rigorous training.
An impressive aerobatic display by Rafale and Tejas jets and the Sarangi Helicopter Display Team was also held.