The Indian Air Force formally inducted the 2nd squadron of Rafale aircraft at Air Force Station in West Bengal’s Hasimara in the Eastern Air Command (EAC) on Wednesday. The induction ceremony was commanded by IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.
The ceremony also observed a fly-past marking the arrival of Rafale aircraft to Hasimara followed by a traditional water cannon salute. Air Force chief addressed the IAF personnel present there and said that the induction of Rafale had been carefully planned at Hasimara, keeping in mind the importance of bolstering capabilities of the IAF in the Eastern sector.
The 101 Squadron is the second IAF squadron to be inducted with Rafale aircraft. The squadron was formed on 1st May 1949, at Palam and has operated Harvard, Spitfire, Vampire, Su-7, and MiG-21 M aircraft in the past. The Rafale jets were deployed for patrolling along the Indo-China border in eastern Ladakh and other frontiers during the military standoff at Line of Actual Control (LAC).
