This refers to the editorial, “The Rafale advantage” (September 26). With India and France signing a contract to purchase 36 Rafale fighter jets, the Indian Air Force will not only be able to raise its air power to face present and future challenges, but the jets will also be a replacement for ageing MiG fighter planes.
Earlier, the Government had planned to procure as many as 126 fighter planes, but the figure has now been reduced to 36. The cost of acquisition of the jets did play a critical role in downsizing the procurement. However, it should also be noted that it took as many as 10 years for us to seal the deal. This should not be the case with future procurements. With the present Government’s intent, I am sure things will change drastically in the coming years. However, these 36 Rafale ready-to-fly fighter planes may not be sufficient to bridge the gap of Air Force requirement and fleet strength, though the purchase is a good beginning.