New Delhi. Rafale fighter aircraft inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) at a formal function at Air Force Station, Ambala on September 10 in presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Ms Florence Parly.

Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Minister said the induction of Rafale was historic moment and a very important milestone in the history of the IAF. The Rafale deal was 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 reiterated the resolve of not compromising India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity under any circumstances and the country’s determination to make all possible preparations for it.

“The intentions of military are as strong as it can be,” he said. He 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 of the world.”

The Defence Minister said: “National security has been a major priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and it is the result of his vision that we are seeing today despite many obstacles that came in the way.”

Terming that the Rafale induction reflected close India-France strategic relations, the Minister said “we have cooperated closely in a number of areas to enhance our defence cooperation. As part of the transfer of technology agreement, six Scorpene submarines are being built at the Mazagon 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 Minister also pitched for French investments in the Indian defence manufacturing sector. He said in response to the call for ‘Self-reliant initiative’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, many policy reforms have been initiated such as manufacturing of defence equipment under the strategic-Partnership model, enhancing FDI 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 partner in our journey of indigenisation”, he said.

The Defence Minister congratulated the IAF personnel for the swift and decisive action taken by them near Line of Actual Control (LAC) recently. He said “the rapid deployment of IAF assets at forward bases created a trust that our Air Force was fully prepared to meet its operational obligations.” Singh also lauded the contribution of IAF to the country’s efforts during Covid-19 pandemic.

Minister of the Armed Forces of France in her address said today’s induction of Rafale into the IAF is a symbol of strong ties between the two countries which is rock solid and time tested. She said now, in military terms, India will acquire a world class capability that will give New Delhi an incredible sovereignty and in strategic terms it will give India an edge over the entire region to defend itself.

She also assured timely delivery of the 31 remaining aircraft. Parly said France is fully committed to Make in India initiative which has been a reality for French industry for several years particularly in defence sector like in submarines.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) 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 witnessed 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 Eric Beranger, CEO, MBDA were present during the ceremony.

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

Before the ceremonial unveiling of the Rafale, a traditional ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’ was 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. After the ceremonial events the Indian and French delegations also had a bilateral meeting.

Earlier this morning, the Minister of the Armed Forces of France was given a ceremonial Guard of Honour on her arrival in New Delhi.