India gets first major fighters in 20 years, Rafale jets touch down in Ambala
THE government hailed “a new era in our military history”, as five Rafale jets landed at the air base in Ambala on Wednesday afternoon, marking the first batch of multirole combat fighter aircraft acquired by the country in over two decades.
Considered one of the most potent combat jets globally, with a proven track record, the two trainer and three single-seat versions of the French fighter aircraft completed their 7,000 km journey from Merignac air base from France shortly after 3 pm. The five aircraft, with seven pilots, had taken off on Monday and had a day’s layover at the Al Dhafra air base in the UAE.
Welcoming the aircraft, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that there is no greater “punya (virtue)”, “vrat (vow)” or “tapasya (worship)” than protecting the nation. “Nabh Sparsham Deeptam (Touch The Sky With Glory),” he added, which is also the motto of the Indian Air Force.
