The ceremony, described as a “very important milestone” by an IAF spokesperson, will be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar.

Rafale induction ceremony latest updates:

• We will ensure timely delivery of remaining 31 Rafales. Our partnership will be even more crucial in the post-COVID world: Florence Parly, French Minister of the Armed Forces.
• Trust me, I know the Rafale is a powerful military aircraft as France uses it to protect its people: Florence Parly, French Minister of the Armed Forces.
• India’s responsibilities are not just restricted to our borders, but we play a responsible role in the entire Indo-Pacific and the Indian Ocean Region.
• The speed at which IAF deployed its assets at forward bases creates confidence that our Air Force is fully prepared to fulfil its operational obligations: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
• In my recent foreign trip, I put the point of view of India in front of the world. I also made everyone aware of our resolve to not compromise our sovereignty and territorial integrity under any circumstances. We’re committed to doing everything possible towards this: Defence Minister.
• Rafale induction is a big & stern message for the entire world, especially to those eyeing our sovereignty. This induction is important considering the kind of atmosphere at our borders or should I say the kind of atmosphere created at our borders: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
• Induction of Rafale is important given the kind of situation that has been created on our borders in recent days: Rajnath Singh.
• 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: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
• Rafale Induction is a historic occasion and shows close India French ties: Rajnath Singh.
• This induction could not have happened at a more opportune time considering the security scenario today: Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Thursday formally inducted the much talked about fourth-generation flying machine, Rafale in its arsenal.
• IAF’s Sarang helicopter display team is performing aerobatic manoeuvres.

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• Rafale fighter jet has been given a traditional water canon salute at the Ambala airbase.

• One of IAF’s new Rafales, two Jaguars and two Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs have performed a flypast in the ‘arrow’ formation.

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• ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’ conducted at the Rafale induction ceremony, at IAF airbase in Ambala.
• Defence minsiter Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly witnessed the ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’ at the Rafale induction ceremony, at the Ambala Air Force station.
• ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’ starts at Ambala station for induction of Rafale jets.

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• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly arrive at the Indian Air Force Station, Ambala, for the Rafale induction ceremony.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Armed Forces of France Florence Parly to take part in the induction ceremony.
• The five Rafale aircraft to be formally inducted in 17 Squadron ‘Golden Arrows’ of the Indian Air Force, at Ambala airbase.

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• French Defence Minister Florence Parly arrived in the national capital on an official visit on Thursday morning, ahead of the formal induction of the first five Indian Air Force Rafale jets at Ambala.
• To be formally inducted in the IAF, the Rafale fighter aircraft will be part of 17 Squadron, the “Golden Arrows.” The first five Indian Air Force Rafale aircraft arrived at Air Force Station, Ambala from France on July 27, 2020.
• At Ambala the program will include the ceremonial unveiling of the Rafale aircraft, a traditional ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’, Air Display by Rafale and Tejas aircraft as well as by ‘Sarang Aerobatic Team’.
• Afterwards, a traditional water cannon salute will be given to the Rafale aircraft. The programme will culminate with the ceremonial induction of Rafale aircraft to 17 Squadron.
• After the ceremonial events, the Indian and French delegation will have a bilateral meeting.
• The first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29, nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to buy 36 jets for ₹ 59,000 crore.
• The Rafale jets, built by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, are known for air-superiority and precision strikes on ground targets, making them truly multirole jets.