The delivery of Rafales began with the first batch of five jets in September. Notably, it coincides with an ongoing border conflict with China in eastern Ladakh

The three Rafale aircraft, that are arriving today, shall be operationalised within a few days amid the ongoing tension on the Ladakh border

Flight Lieutenant Singh's entry into the Rafale squadron comes at an important juncture since the French fighters are in a fast-paced mode to get them completely ready in operational terms

At present, the IAF has 10 women fighter pilots and 18 women navigators. The total strength of women officers serving in the IAF is 1,875

Speaking at the induction of five Rafale aircraft into the Indian Air Force, she said India and France are writing a new chapter in defence ties

In an indirect message to China, Rajnath Singh said Rafale fight jet induction in IAF is important, considering the kind of atmosphere at India's borders or the kind of atmosphere \"created\" at the country's borders

Rafale induction ceremony: \"The induction of Rafale into IAF also represents the strong ties between India and France. The strategic ties between our two countries have also strengthened,\" says Rajnath Singh

The five rafale aircraft arrived in India on July 29, 2020. The second batch of four to five Rafale jets is likely to arrive by November

The five Rafale fighter jets are scheduled to be officially inducted into the Indian Air Force on Thursday

The first batch of five Rafale combat jets, manufactured by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, arrived at the Ambala air base on July 29

The Rafale jets induction ceremony would be held at the Ambala air base. French defence minister Florence Parly would also be invited for the event

On Wednesday, India received the first batch of five Rafale jets, nearly four years after it inked an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of the aircraft at a cost of Rs 59,000 crore

Rafale jets also received a traditional water cannon salute, which involves two fire trucks spraying water and creating an arch for the plane to taxi through

Rather, a recipient of Vayu Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal for devotion to duty, has more than 3,000 hours of accident free flying on MiG-21s, Mirage-zooo and Kiran aircraft

Rafale Fighter Jets in India Live Updates: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a series of tweets welcomed Rafale jets home saying that India can deter any threat now

The jets took off from France on July 27 and will arrive at the Air Force station on July 29, after covering a distance of 7,000 km with air-to-air refuelling and a single stop in the United Arab Emirates

Arrival of Rafale jets comes amid escalating border tension between India and China along Line of Actual Control. Though China claims air superiority over India, induction of Rafale fighter aircraft into Air Force could give India much-needed confidence to take on China's J20 5th generation aircraft

The defence minister said India is open to explore opportunities of co-production of high-end defence equipment and seeks collaborations to modernise our shipyards and defence platforms by the infusion of technology

The Defence Minister also performed 'Shashtra Puja' ceremony (or weapons worship), as part of Dussehra celebrations. He emblazoned the new aircraft with 'Om tilak' and laid flowers and a coconut before he took off for a sortie