Live updates: Rafale jet carrying Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lands after taking a sortie

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who has reached Merignac in France is set to receive the first of the 36 Rafale fighter jets on behalf of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday.

Pic courtesy: ANI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday received the first of the 36 Rafale fighter jets on behalf of the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Merignac in France. The defence minister also performed a 'Shastra Puja' on the occasion of Dussehra and flew a sortie in Rafale fighter jet. Addressing the Indian Air Force on its 87th Foundation Day, the Defence Minister tweeted on Tuesday: “Greetings to all @IAF_MCC personnel and their families on the 87th IAF Day. The IAF is the shining example of exemplary courage, fortitude, determination and impeccable service to our nation. These men and women in Blue have the ability to touch the sky with grit and glory.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Rajnath Singh met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris. It is to be noted that India had inked a deal worth Rs 59,000 crore with France in September 2016 for 36 Rafale fighter jets.

11 October 2019

15:19 IST

Chinese community members working in India welcome President Xi Jinping outside ITC Grand Chola Hotel in Chennai.

Tamil Nadu: Chinese nationals working in India welcomed President Xi Jinping outside the ITC Grand Chola Hotel, in Chennai, today. pic.twitter.com/jxUKxEclOk

— ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2019

20:20 IST

It was a very comfortable and smooth flight. It was an unprecedented moment, I had never thought that one day I will fly at super sonic speed in an aircraft: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after sortie in Rafale jet

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after taking a sortie in the #Rafale jet : It was a very comfortable and smooth flight. It was an unprecedented moment, I had never thought that one day I will fly at super sonic speed in an aircraft. #France pic.twitter.com/ORPqij7MCx

— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2019

20:14 IST

India will get 36 Rafale fighter jets by 2022, says Rajnath Singh

20:04 IST

Rafale jet carrying Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lands after taking a sortie

Mérignac(France): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lands after taking a sortie in the #Rafale jet https://t.co/cQO4wBjDry pic.twitter.com/xCtxWOYI0S

— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2019

19:24 IST

Rajnath Singh creates history, becomes first Defence Minister to fly sortie in Rafale jet

19:01 IST

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gets ready to fly sortie in Rafale fighter jet

18:41 IST

It is a great day for Indian Air Force and India, also for France and Dassault Aviation. We did what was in the contract and now it is ready to fly. We are very proud: Eric Trappier, Dassault Aviation CEO

Éric Trappier, Dassault Aviation CEO: It is a great day for Indian Air Force and India, also for France and Dassault Aviation. We did what was in the contract and now it is ready to fly.We are very proud. #Rafale pic.twitter.com/c9WqGQKKSj

— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2019

18:25 IST

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh performs 'shastra puja' after receiving Rafale jet in France

18:17 IST

I am told that Rafale is a French word meaning gust of wind. I am sure the aircraft will live up to its name. I believe #Rafale will boost India's air dominance exponentially to ensure peace and security in the region: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Mérignac(France): I am told that #Rafale is a French word meaning gust of wind. I am sure the aircraft will live up to its name. I believe #Rafale will boost India's air dominance exponentially to ensure peace and security in the region. pic.twitter.com/vPN3cpYvHR

— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2019

17:53 IST

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh: In India, today is the festival of #Dusssehra also known as #Vijayadashmi where we celebrate victory over evil. It is also the 87th Air Force Day, therefore the day becomes symbolic in so many ways.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh:In India, today is the festival of #Dusssehra also known as #Vijayadashmi where we celebrate victory over evil. It is also the 87th Air Force Day, therefore the day becomes symbolic in so many ways. https://t.co/fCTDDNyuK7

— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2019

17:49 IST

Today marks a new milestone in India-France strategic partnership. I look forward to taking a sortie in the Rafale aircraft: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

17:42 IST

I am happy that the delivery of Rafale aircraft is on schedule, I am confident that this will add further strength to our Air Force. I wish cooperation between our two major democracies further increases in all sectors: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

17:40 IST

Today is a historic day for Indian armed forces, says Rajnath Singh ahead of receiving Rafale fighter jet

17:39 IST

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressing a special ceremony at Dassault Aviation Mérignac facility. 

16:56 IST

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to take a sortie in the Rafale combat aircraft, shortly

Mérignac(France): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to take a sortie in the Rafale combat aircraft, shortly pic.twitter.com/jS9mhYbYtQ

— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2019

16:55 IST

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Dassualt assembly line facility in Mérignac, France to receive Rafale fighter jet