Indian Air Force bats for 'beautiful' Rafale crafts, will add 'teeth to force'

Even as the controversy over the Rafale deal reaches a boiling point, the Indian Air Force has come out in support of the agreement. Calling it a "beautiful aircarft" that will give India "unprecedented" combat capabilities, Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal SB Deo said those criticising it don't understand the laid down norms and procurement procedure.

"It is a beautiful aircraft. It is a very capable aircraft. It is a capability that we need quickly," he said on Wednesday on the sidelines of an event in New Delhi. The induction of the fighter jet is expected to start next year and the 36 aircraft should be in by 2022. "They should read DPP (defence procurement procedure) and offset policy," he said, on the issue of the opposition to the deal.

India had signed a government-to-government deal with France in 2016 to buy 36 fighter jets at a cost of about the Rs 58,000-crore, but the decision triggered a political row as the Congress has been demanding details of the deal, alleging a scam to benefit private players.

Deo also indicated unhappiness over delay in delivery of indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft Tejas by the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and suggested that private sector should be involved in its production.

The IAF is reeling under shortage of combat aircraft. At present, it has 33 fighter squadrons against the authorised strength of 42 squadrons and this will be further reduced to only 16 by 2032 and 19 by 2027. Each squadron comprises 16-18 aircraft.

The dipping numbers of the IAF fighter fleet has been a cause of worry and the induction of Rafale jets will be a crucial addition and enhance air capabilities.

The Air Force has started the process to buy 114 more fighter jets that will meet the demands and make up for depleting fighter jets.