“It’s a great decision taken by the prime minister on terms and conditions that are better than the ones at present. Procuring 36 planes in two squadrons is an extremely positive decision which was needed. The procedure for procuring these aircrafts was dragging on for several years,” Parrikar said speaking to media persons, on Saturday morning.
Parrikar said that India had not purchased any major new generation fighter aircraft for the past 17 years. “Indian Air Force will get the minimum oxygen it requires with this deal,” he commented.
Shedding light on the long-pending deal, Parrikar said that the entire procedure started in 2000 and continued to drag on because of some confusion. “Finally, the ice has been broken over the deal today,” he proudly said.
When asked, Parrikar said that it might take two years for the aircraft to be inducted in the force. “Fly away does not mean we will get them tomorrow. It has to be designed as per India’s need. Also there will be negotiations over the pricing of these aircrafts which are currently priced at Rs 700 crore,” he explained.
He said that after the initial purchase of 36 Rafale aircrafts, the country will have more such planes under “Make In India” initiative or “Rafale” kind of mechanism. “The purchase of 36 aircrafts will fill in the immediate gap. Make In India is a long-term solution to increase India’s Air Force strength,” he added.
The Union minister said that Rafale is fourth-generation aircraft which will add up to the old generation fighter planes like MiG21, MiG27 and Su30 which are currently with India.
