JALANDHAR: The Indian Air Force (IAF) today said that there was “no overpricing” in the Rafale purchase as the Government had “negotiated a very good” deal for the French fighter aircraft.
“It is not overpricing… We have negotiated for 36 French fighter aircraft Rafale (at a price) lower than that in the contract. The Government has negotiated a very good deal,” Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said.
Stressing that it was a “Government-to-Government contract”, he told the media at the Adampur Air Force station near here that the IAF was getting 36 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) at a greatly “negotiated price”.
“It is definitely a better deal. It is lower than what was there in the MRMCA contract,” he said without going into specifics.
The Rafale deal has been the focus of debate with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accusing the Prime Minister of changing the “entire deal” to benefit a businessman, a charge debunked by the ruling BJP.
The Congress also claims technology is not being transferred to India under the deal.
Dhanoa said two aircraft had been purchased in a fly-away condition as an emergency measure. (AGENCIES)
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