New Delhi: As the Indian Air Force eagerly awaits the arrival of first fleet of Rafale jets at Ambala air force station, tight security arrangements have been put in place.

Prohibitory orders have been issued around the Ambala Air Force Station while people have been advised against flying private drones within 3 km radius of the air base.

The Ambala deputy commissioner said shooting of videos or taking photographs of the boundary wall of the air base and its adjoining areas will remain strictly prohibited during the imposition of the prohibitory orders.

Deputy Commissioner Ashok Sharma said in an order that Section 144, which prohibits assembly of four or more people, has been imposed in the villages adjoining the air base, including Dhulkot, Baldev Nagar, Garnala and Panjkhora.

Rafale jets flying 7,000 kms to reach India

The jets took off from France on Monday and will arrive at the Air Force station on Wednesday, after covering a distance of 7,000 km with air-to-air refuelling and a single stop in the United Arab Emirates. The fleet comprises three single-seater and two twin-seater aircraft, according to an IAF official.

Earlier, speaking to news agency ANI, the French ambassador said, “Planes are outstanding, Indian technicians and pilots marvellously completed their training in France. They are totally capable to use these planes at their best”.

Planes are outstanding, Indian technicians and pilots marvellously completed their training in France. They are totally capable to use these planes at their best: Emmanuel Lenain, French Ambassador to India on #Rafale fighter jets arriving tomorrow pic.twitter.com/uEEq3J4h2N

— ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2020

The five Rafales are scheduled to be inducted into the IAF on Wednesday, though a formal induction ceremony would be held later.