Defence Minister Rajnath Singh receives first Rafale fighter jet in France
Bordeaux: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday received the first Rafale fighter jet of the total 36 at Merignac airbase of France here announcing that the aircraft will bolster India's defence capabilities to great extent.
The fighter jets were purchased for the Indian Air Force (IAF) though ahead of India's general elections, in which the Modi-led BJP finally swept, it was made a poll issue by the Opposition led by Rahul Gandhi after the latter alleged a financial anomaly over the deal and linked businessman Anil Ambani to it. However, the Modi government got a clean chit from the Supreme Court on the deal.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 8, 2019
In 2016, India closed a deal worth Rs 59,000 crore with Dassault Aviation for 36 fighter jets, which are expected to increase India’s air combat capabilities and give an edge over Pakistan and China.
Speaking at the induction ceremony Singh termed the development "historic" adding that it will go a long way in strengthening the cooperation between two large democracies.
Ready for take off in the newly inducted Rafale pic.twitter.com/iNcsx3KUdO
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 8, 2019
"Today marks a new milestone in Indo-French strategic partnership and indeed a new high in the bilateral defence cooperation,"he said.
“I am told that Rafale is a French word that means gust of winds. I am sure the aircraft will live up to its name,” he commented and added “our air force is the fourth largest in the world and I believe that the Rafale medium-multi-role combat aircraft will make us even stronger and will give a boost to India's air dominance exponentially to ensure peace and security in this region.”
The defence minister said the successful induction of Rafale fighter jets was an achievemnet and it encouraged India to "do more" and added that it would be in his agenda when he met French Defence Minister Florence Parly today as well as in his other interactions during his visit to France.
“I hope that strong cooperation between two important and large democracies will continue to grow and contribute to global peace and environmental sustainability,” Singh said.
He also thanked France for its support to India beyond defence matters.
"I am thankful to France for support in not only defence matters but also on other issues that are important for India," he stated.
Stating that India was focussing in equipping and enhancing its capabilities of Indian Air Force, he said, “Rafale will add to the strength of our Airforce.”
Addressing French Defence Minister, Singh said India expects the delivery of all 36 fighter jets and related equipment and weapon systems would be as per the pre-defined time schedule.
Singh also said he was looking forward to flying in the Rafale aircraft and added that it will be a great honour and experience for him.
The first batch of four aircraft will be delivered not before May 2020 after the training of pilots and personnel is completed.
The remaining fighter jets will arrive only by Sep 2022, for which the IAF is undergoing preparations.
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