The IAF on Wednesday formally inducted Rafale aircraft into No. 101 Squadron at the Hasimara air base in West Bengal. The IAF has so far inducted 25 Rafale jets with 18 to 20 of them at the Ambala air base in north India.
The Hasimara airbase primarily caters to the eastern front facing China and the Line of Actual Control(LAC). With the ongoing tension and stand-offs at the LAC in Eastern Ladakh and its spill over affect in other border states, the induction the Rafale jets in the east is important.
IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria presided over the induction ceremony. The event included a fly-past heralding the arrival of Rafale aircraft to Hasimara followed by a traditional water cannon salute.
Addressing the personnel during the induction ceremony, Bhadauria said the induction of Rafale had been carefully planned at Hasimara keeping in mind the importance of strengthening IAF’s capability in the Eastern Sector.
Recalling the glorious history of 101 Squadron which bestowed upon them the title of ‘Falcons of Chamb and Akhnoor,’ he urged the personnel to combine their zeal and commitment with the unmatched potential of the newly inducted platform.
He said he had no doubt that the Squadron would dominate whenever and wherever required and ensure that the adversary would always be intimidated by their sheer presence.
One squadron has 18 to 20 jets. India will receive all the 36 Rafales from France by next year.
The 101 Squadron is the second IAF Squadron to be equipped with Rafale aircraft. The Squadron was formed on 01 May 1949 at Palam and has operated Harvard, Spitfire, Vampire, Su-7 and MiG-21M aircraft in the past. The glorious history of this Squadron includes active participation in 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars.