The first batch of five Rafale aircraft along with two Su-30MKIs arrived in Ambala today to join the Indian Air Force (IAF) at around 2:30 pm.
At close to 2 pm, the Indian Rafale contingent established contact with Indian Navy warship INS Kolkata deployed in the Western Arabian Sea. The Rafale leader was welcomed by INS Kolkata saying: Arrow leader (flying Rafale), welcome to Indian Ocean. May you touch the sky with glory. Happy landings.
The five Rafales escorted by 02 SU30 MKIs as they enter the Indian air space.@IAF_MCC pic.twitter.com/djpt16OqVd
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) July 29, 2020
The five Rafale aircraft will be touching down at the Indian Air Force (IAF) station at Ambala Cantonment on Wednesday.
As per the information, the Ambala district administration and a large force of police have been deployed around the airbase. Roads leading to the Ambala Cantonment have also been barricaded and the movement of general public and media has been stopped for security reason.
The Birds have entered the Indian airspace..Happy Landing in Ambala! @IAF_MCC pic.twitter.com/dh35pMDyYi
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) July 29, 2020
Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to welcome the aircraft and wrote, “The Birds have entered the Indian airspace..Happy Landing in Ambala!”