IAF Chief Defends Purchase of Rafale Aircraft
INDIA’s Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, has defended acquisition of 36 Rafale aircraft saying it will be a game changer in the sub-continent due to its capabilities and advanced weaponry and ruled out its present price being costlier than agreed upon in the earlier negotiations. Answering questions at a press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday, he said the deal had “lots of advantages”.”Rafale will be a game changer in the sub continent…We have got a very good package. It has got the best sensors, advanced weaponry,” he said. Asked about the controversy over the price of the jets, Dhanoa said the Cost Negotiation Committee had finalised the price after due consideration. The concerned IAF authorities were consulted before finalizing the deal between the governments of India and France to purchase these from the Dassault Aviation of France.”It’s not simply possible that the new cost would be higher than the cost finalised earlier,” he said.IAF is not only short of aircraft but lacked 4th generation aircraft to meet any challenge from across the international borders ,he added. (image courtesy to Reviewwalls.co)
