The formal induction ceremony of the Rafale fighter jets was held with a traditional ‘Sarva Dharm puja’ at the Ambala Air Force Station on September 10. The prayer performed by different religious teachers caught everyone’s attention.
On this occasion, priests of all religions sought the blessings of the Gods at the formal induction ceremony of the Rafale into the Indian Air Force. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian priests offered prayers to fighter jets. The prayer ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, French Defence Minister Florence Parly. The moment of brotherhood and secularism in India was captured beautifully on camera. It was indeed a proud moment for the entire nation when the Indian Air Force (IAF) formally inducted world’s most dangerous fighter jets on September 10 at the Air Force Station in Ambala.
The worship was initiated by the Hindu religious leader, who started the process of worship with Mantra chanting. After this the Muslim cleric prayed, he said that Allah should give strength to the soldiers of India. May Allah grant you courage and strength to defeat enemies. Sikh religious leaders prayed for the success of the Air Force and prayed to increase the power of the Air Force. He also gave a slogan “Jo bole so nihaal, Sat sri akal”
The first five of 36 Rafale fighter jets landed at Ambala Airbase on 29th July, 20. What makes a Rafale valuable is its long hitting range, precise attack and ability to refuel itself while flying in the sky.
Described as an ‘omnirole’ fighter by its manufacturer Dassault Aviation, Rafale is a twin-engine, multirole fighter aircraft that is capable of performing air sovereignty, deep strike, reconnaissance and airborne nuclear deterrent duties. The multirole fighter is operated by the French Air Force and Navy.
This aircraft features the latest avionics and smart sensor systems. It can carry a 30mm cannon, air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, nuclear and anti-ship missiles, as well as a range of laser-guided bombs and ground-attack munitions. The maiden combat deployment of the Rafale fighter was in 2002 during the Operation Enduring Freedom.
The aircraft has been used in a number of combat missions in Afghanistan, Libya and Mali (Operation Serval). The aircraft is available in three variants, namely RAFALE C single-seat, RAFALE M carrier-based single-seat and RAFALE B twin-seat version.
