Sir — This refers to the article, “Setting and missing targets” (November 11) by Abhijit Iyer-Mitra. I agree with most of the writer’s opinions, except on the Rafale medium multi-range combat aircraft. Future wars will be fought using better missiles and not by using better war planes.
Pakistan is cleverer and more judicious in spending on defence equipment. It has not purchased aircraft carriers or a large number of warships and planes. It has procured beyond-the-visual-range missile from the US to destroy our AWACS fleets and other aircraft. In case of a fight between the F-16s used by Pakistan and Sukhoi Su-30MK I / Rafale used by India, we will lose two pilots in one go.
Instead of spending billions on Rafale, we should use the money to improve the range of the indigenously developed BVR Astra. The Americans have started using drones to minimise loss of human life. We may have enough planes but there will be a shortage of trained pilots.