India formally received the first Rafale fighter jet from the Dassault Aviation in France on Tuesday.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accepted the handover at a facility of Rafale manufacturer Dassault Aviation in Bordeaux.
“It is a historic day and shows deepening ties between India and France,” Singh said in his brief remarks before the formal acceptance of the aircraft.
Mérignac(France): Defence Minister @rajnathsingh takes official handover of Rafale combat aircraft pic.twitter.com/1AJ2XxsJ3w
— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) October 8, 2019
The defence minister described the Rs 59,000 crore fighter jet deal as a “new milestone” in the strategic partnership between the two countries and a “new high” in defence cooperation.
Singh said: “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 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
Rajnath Singh also took off for a sortie in a two-seater Rafale fighter jet soon after.
#WATCH Mérignac(France): #Rafale jet carrying Defence Minister Rajnath Singh takes off for a sortie. It is being flown by Philippe Duchateau, head test pilot of Dassualt Aviation. pic.twitter.com/i99hZmB7aF
— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2019
Ready for take off in the newly inducted Rafale pic.twitter.com/iNcsx3KUdO
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 8, 2019
The ceremony to receive the first of the 36 fighter jets bought for the Indian Air Force is essentially a symbolic one, timed to coincide with Dusherra and the 87th India Air Force Day.