Among the things IAF chief said yesterday at his presser, he stated that many claims on savings in Rafale deal were guesstimates, as “overall cost of ownership will only be known once all payments have been made”. He specifically referred to falling Rupee. indianexpress.com/article/india/…
The key point, to my mind, is his strongly-made point that his “main concern is the depleting strength of the IAF”. He said that IAF fighter squadron strength “cannot go below 30-31 squadrons”. The IAF is already down to 31 squadrons against the 42 authorised.
ACM Dhanoa also DID NOT wade into the issue of comparative price of Rafale at all, answering all questions with a dead-bat, referring them to the statement of the finance minister and MoS for defence about the price and savings.
Interestingly, IAF Chief did not categorically say if the IAF was asked officially before announcing the deal for 36 Rafale. But said, "consulted at an appropriate level" and govt took one of the many options that were given by the IAF. n/n
