The deal struck with France for purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets will bring some “oxygen” to the Indian Air Force into which they will be inducted within two years, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Saturday.
He described India’s decision to buy these fighters after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande in Paris yesterday [Friday], as “great,” saying it will go a long way in strengthening the IAF.
“IAF will get minimum oxygen (relief) it requires with this deal...in fact, we have not purchased any major new generation aircraft in (last) 17 years.
“It’s a great decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on better terms and conditions. Procuring 36 planes for two squadrons is an extremely positive decision which was needed,” said Mr. Parrikar.
Mr. Modi had said in Paris that India would buy 36 Rafale fighter jets in “fly-away” condition from France at the earliest by “keeping in view the critical operational necessity of fighter aircraft in India.”
The Defence Minister said Rafale’s induction into the IAF may take two years “as ‘fly-away’ does not mean we will get them tomorrow.”
