European defence manufacturer MBDA congratulates India over induction of Rafale jets into IAF

NEW DELHI: European defence manufacturer MBDA on Thursday congratulated India over the induction of Rafale fighter jets into the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Eric Beranger, the Chief Executive Officer of MBDA, who attended the Rafale induction ceremony in Ambala, said, “MBDA has built a close partnership over 50 years with India’s armed forces. We are very proud to be equipping the IAF’s Rafales with a full comprehensive weapon package that includes the game-changing Meteor and MICA air-to-air missiles and the SCALP cruise missile to conduct deep strike missions in a complex and severe environment.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly, on Thursday morning, witnessed the traditional `Sarva Dharma Puja` at the Rafale induction ceremony, at Ambala airbase of the IAF.

The `Sarva Dharma Puja` involved recitation of hymns, ayats, and mantras by priests of various religions.

This puja was followed by air display of Rafale fighter aircraft flanked by SU-30 and Jaguar aircraft in an arrow formation.

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, among other senior officers of the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces, were also present to mark a very important milestone in the history of the IAF.

The first five Rafale aircraft will be part of 17 Squadron, the "Golden Arrows".  The aircraft had arrived at Air Force Station, Ambala from France on July 27, 2020.