IAF Flying Contingent Departs for Bastille Day Flypast in France
A contingent comprising four Rafale fighters, two C-17 Globemasters, and 72 Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel has departed for France to participate in the Bastille Day flypast. The event marks the longstanding cooperation and shared history between India and France in the field of air power.
The association between the two nations traces back to the involvement of Indian individuals like Welinkar, Shivdev Singh, HC Dewan, and Jumbo Majumdar, who fought in the skies of France during the World Wars. Jumbo Majumdar, in particular, was honored for his brave actions over the Falaise Gap in the final phase of World War II.
Over the years, the IAF has operated various French aircraft, including the Ouragan, Breguet Alize, Mystere IVA, SEPECAT Jaguar, Mirage 2000, and the current Rafale. Helicopters like the Alouette-III and Lama continue to play a crucial role in serving remote Himalayan areas. Notably, the marching contingent of the IAF is led by Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy, an accomplished helicopter pilot with extensive experience flying the Alouette-III.
The professional ties between the Indian and French Air Forces have been further strengthened through joint exercises like Ex Desert Knight, Garuda, and Orion. The participation of the IAF’s Rafale aircraft alongside the French Air and Space Force in the flypast demonstrates the deep strategic friendship that has developed over the years, both on the ground and in the air.
