SATISH HANDA
Entry of Rafel fighter aircrafts in Indian Air Force would be a strong message to those countries having an evil eye on our land, addressing a gathering Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh present at induction ceremony held at Indian Air Force Station Ambala today 43 days after arrival of first lot of five aircrafts at Ambala on July 29, 2020 said congratulating air force officers present at the occasion. Rajnath Singh appreciated the role and alertness by Indian army and air force during unfortunate incident took place at LAC sometime ago when army men from China entered in our country were pushed back bravely.
There was tight security arrangement provided by by district administration deployed large police force in the area around air force station Ambala airbase. Warm welcome was given in the sky by Sukhai, Tejal aircrafts and Dhruv helicopters followed by a water cannon salute when Rafel aircrafts landed at the airbase. Defence Minister from France Ms Florence Parle and IAF chief RKS Bhadoria were also present on this occasion.
It was after17 years that any Union Defence Minister arrived at Indian Air Force Station in August 2003, then Union Defence Minister George Fernandes had visited Ambala IAF Station and had a round in the sky in MIG-21 aircraft for more than half an hour. According to information, Rafel fighter aircraft deal of value worth Rs 58000 crore was finalized for 36 airctafts including 30 fighter Jet aircrafts and six training aircrafts left France on 27th July and reached IAF Station Ambala on July 29, 2020 after covering 7000 km distance to be looked after by 17 Golden Arrow Squardon.
French Defence Minister Florence Parle while addressing expressed happiness over joining hands with India which is a new chapter in the history for the security and support in UN Security Council. She said, French government is committed to ‘Make in India’ campaign in India Air Chief Bhadoria said that it was the right time and right choice for entry of such a powerful fighter aircrafts in the country and the second lot of Refel aircrafts will be stationed at Hashimara airbase.
