New Delhi: Indian Air Force Chief RKS Bhadauria on Saturday said the induction of 36 Rafale aircraft into the Indian Air Force would be completely by next year i.e.e 2022.
The IAF is absolutely on target with respect to the Rafale induction plan, he said while replying to media persons query on Saturday.
“The target is 2022. It is absolutely on target. I mentioned earlier. Except for one or two aircraft, minor delays because of COVID related issues, but, in fact, some deliveries have been ahead of time. So, broadly, we are absolutely on target on the Rafale induction plan,” he said.
On the operationalisation plan, he said, “you are aware, we are fully operational.. so, in terms of time, we will be absolutely on time.”
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In 2016, India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36-Rafale jets at a cost Rs 59,000 crore.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had in February said the country would have the entire fleet of the fighter aircraft by April 2022.
Air chief on India-China situation in Ladakh
Speaking on the Chinese side knocking the door in Eastern Ladakh on the Indo-China border, the IAF Chief said talks are on between the two sides and the first attempt is to continue with the parleys and carry out the disengagement at the “balance friction points.”
“The first attempt ins to continue with the talks and do the disengagement at the balance friction points. And, of course, follow it up with de-escalation,” he said.
