New Delhi: Defending the purchase of Rafale fighter jets, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Wednesday it will be a game changer in the sub-continent due to its capabilities and advanced weaponry and ruled out its present price being costlier than agreed upon in the earlier negotiations.
“We have got a good package, got a lot of advantages in Rafale deal,” Dhanoa said in Delhi at a press conference, rejecting allegations that the fighters were overpriced.
He said, “We have got a very good package. It has got the best sensors, advanced weaponry.”
As for the controversy over the price of the jets, Dhanoa said the Cost Negotiation Committee had finalised the price after due consideration.
“It’s not simply possible that the new cost would be higher than the cost finalised earlier,” he said.
Dhanoa said Dassault Aviation, Rafale’s manufacturer, selected the offset partner and the government and Indian Air Force had no role.