Bengaluru: India’s pride and winged beauties Rafales have arrived in India. The metal birds touched Ambala airbase, Haryana at a little more than 3 pm. 

The Indian Air Force Chief RKS Bhadauria was present on the occasion to receive the aircraft. 

 

"The Birds have landed safely in Ambala. 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 Indian Air Force", tweeted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Earlier the Indian Navy warship INS Kolkata welcomed the fighter jets as they entered the Indian Ocean Region. The fighter jets had halted at the Al Dhafra air force base in UAE after setting off from France on Monday (29 July).

Reports add that a formal induction ceremony is expected to be conducted sometime next month.

Reports also add that the squadron of 18 Rafale fighter jets will be located at the Ambala Air Force base to provide a strategic edge to India over its enemies. The strategic Air Force Base is almost equidistant from the Line of Actual Control and the Pakistani border.