Journalism of Courage
The first five Rafale fighter jets that arrived on July 29 were formally inducted as part of the 17 Squadron, nicknamed Golden Arrows, at Ambala Air Force Station on Thursday. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)
The ceremony at Ambala Air Force Station included a ceremonial unveiling of the Rafale aircraft, a traditional ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’, Air Display by Rafale and Tejas aircraft as well as by ‘Sarang Aerobatic Team’, the IAF said. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)
It was followed by the traditional water cannon salute for the fighter jets. The proceedings will culminate with the ceremonial induction of Rafale to Golden Arrows. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)
The ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria were also present. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)
The defence ministers will hold bilateral discussions after the induction ceremony. Parly is also scheduled to meet National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)
The induction of the five Rafale jets takes the IAF’s squadron strength to 31. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)
Rafale jets get a water salute during its induction into the India Air force at the ceremony at Ambala in Haryana on Thursday, September 10, 2020. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly at the Ambala Air Force Station, on Thursday, September 10, 2020. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)
An air display of Rafale fighter aircraft flanked by SU-30 and Jaguar aircraft in arrow formation at Ambala air force station, on Thursday, September 10, 2020. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)
IAF helicopters 'Sarang' perform during the Rafale induction ceremony, at the airbase in Ambala, Thursday, September 10, 2020. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)
Ambala: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Armed Forces of France Florence Parly during 'Sarva Dharma Puja' at the Rafale induction ceremony, at IAF airbase in Ambala, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020. (PTI Photo/Manvender Vashist)(PTI10-09-2020_000090B)
Ambala: Priests perform 'Sarva Dharma Puja' during the Rafale induction ceremony, at IAF airbase in Ambala, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020. (PTI Photo/Manvender Vashist)(PTI10-09-2020_000091B)
A Rafale fighter jet flies during its induction ceremony at an air force station in Ambala, India, September 10, 2020. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi
