Indian Rafale Jets to Showcase Military Power in Bastille Day Flypast

Paris

In a moment of great honor, three Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets are set to participate in the renowned Bastille Day flypast over the iconic Champs Elysees in Paris. This significant event coincides with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be the chief guest. The first glimpse of the Rafales was unveiled at the Evreux-Fauville Air Base in France, generating excitement and pride among Indian military personnel.

Group Captain Abhishek Tripathi, Commanding Officer of the 101 Squadron (Rafale) and the leader of the formation, expressed deep pride in the opportunity to showcase the Rafale’s capabilities on foreign soil. “It is a matter of pride for us that we have brought Rafale to France once again,” he stated. The Indian Rafales will be part of the opening formations of the Bastille Day flypast, symbolizing the strong ties between India and France.

Source: IAF

India is filled with immense pride as three Rafale fighter jets from the Indian Air Force prepare to participate in the Bastille Day flypast over Paris’ Champs Elysees. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the esteemed guest during this momentous event.

Unveiled at the Evreux-Fauville Air Base in France, the Rafales showcase advanced avionics, making them compact, extraordinary, powerful, agile, and discreet. Group Captain Abhishek Tripathi, commanding officer of the 101 Squadron (Rafale), expressed pride in bringing the Rafales to France and leading the opening formations of the flypast. Group Captain Anindo Sur highlighted the achievement of flying the jets non-stop for over 10 hours and 4500 miles, showcasing their exceptional capabilities.

The Indian Rafale jets arrived in France in preparation for the Bastille Day parade, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France. Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy, who leads the Indian Air Force contingent, spoke of the immense pride in representing India and their force on foreign soil in front of the Prime Minister. Indian Ambassador to France, Jawed Ashraf, emphasized that the participation of the Indian Rafale jets in the flypast symbolizes the strong ties between the two nations, particularly in the field of air power.

Amidst the captivating spectacle, India’s Defense Ministry has given initial approval for the procurement of 26 Rafale fighter aircraft and three Scorpene class submarines from France. These significant deals are expected to be officially announced during Prime Minister Modi’s visit, reinforcing the commitment to strengthen bilateral relations.

The inclusion of the Indian Rafale jets in the Bastille Day flypast showcases India’s aviation prowess and represents the unity between India and France. The advanced capabilities of the Rafales and the strategic partnership between the two nations highlight the shared values and interests they protect. As the world awaits the dazzling display, the Rafale jets stand as symbols of unity, strength, and collaboration, leaving an indelible mark on the skies above Paris.