Five Rafale jets formally inducted into IAF - Five Rafale fighter jets were

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Five Rafale fighter jets were formally inducted into the Indian Air Force on Thursday at a glittering ceremony in the Ambala air base, in a major boost to India's air power capability at a time the country is engaged in a tense border row with China in eastern Ladakh.

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Pic Courtesy : AFP

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria were among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony.

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Pic Courtesy : ANI

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A traditional ‘sarva dharma puja', a ceremonial 'water cannon salute' to the Rafale jets and an aerial display featuring various breathtaking manoeuvres by the aircraft marked their induction into the 17 Squadron of the IAF.

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Pic Courtesy : ANI

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In a tweet, the IAF welcomed the "new bird" into its arsenal.

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Pic Courtesy : AFP

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The multi-role Rafale jets, built by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, are known for air-superiority and precision strikes.

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Pic Courtesy : ANI