Veiled warning to China by Rajnath as Rafales land
Those wanting to threaten India’s territorial integrity should be worried: DefMin
Five Rafale fighter jets touched down in the Ambala Air Force Station on Wednesday afternoon after travelling 8,500 km from France, giving a boost to the country’s air power.
These five jets include three single seater and two twin seater aircraft.
The 4.5 generation fighter aircraft, capable of carrying nuclear weapons provides the IAF unmatched air superiority with its advanced avionics and deadly weapon package which include Meteor, Scalp and HAMMER missiles. China and Pakistan, traditional rivals of India don’t have a fighter jet which can match Rafale, giving an edge to IAF. While it will take some time before the new aircraft could be fully operationalised by India, both China and Pakistan will now have to factor facing Rafale in any confrontation.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh said that arrival of Rafale in India will make the IAF much stronger to deter any threat that may be posed on our country.
“If it is anyone who should be worried about or critical about this new capability of the IAF, it should be those who want to threaten our territorial integrity,” added Mr Singh.
“The touch down of Rafale combat aircraft in India marks the beginning of a new era in our military history. These multirole aircraft will revolutionise the capabilities of the IAF,” said defence minister. He said that Rafale
I am sure that 17 Squadron, the Golden Arrows, will continue to live up to their motto of ‘Udayam Ajasram’. I am extremely happy that IAF’s combat capability has got a timely boost. — Rajnath Singh, DefMin
jets were purchased only because Prime minister Narendra Modi took the right decision to get these aircraft through an intergovernmental agreement with France, after the long pending procurement case for them could not progress.
“The Rafale jets were purchased when they fully
met the operational requirements of the IAF. The baseless allegations against this procurement have already been answered and settled.”
Rafale jets were welcomed by IAF with traditional water cannon salute at Ambala Air Station. IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria was also present at the airbase to witness the arrival of these aircraft.
Earlier, captain of Indian Navy’s warship INS Kolkata, which is deployed at the sea, welcomed Rafale Arrow Leader when it entered Indian Ocean with the message: “May you touch the sky with glory.”