Rafale verdict may not hasten faster purchase of 110 fighters | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Rafale verdict may not hasten faster purchase of 110 fighters

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByHT Correspondent
Dec 15, 2018 08:36 AM IST

Rafale verdict: Will the verdict assure the bureaucracy and ensure the process of acquiring another 110 fighters be faster than expected?

Will the Supreme Court verdict dismissing the petitions questioning the purchase of 36 Rafale fighters from France, empower the bureaucracy to take decisions, and, more importantly, lead to a faster purchase of another 110 fighters?

Rafale figher plane(HT File)
Rafale figher plane(HT File)

“The verdict vindicates our stand,” a senior IAF official said, asking not to be identified becaue he is s not authorized to speak to the media. Importantly for the IAF one of its senior officers headed the all-crucial price negotiating team. “We were confident, the facts were in our favour”, he added. Nonetheless, as the controversy appeared to gain traction, the IAF and Ministry of Defence reviewed the entire process of acquiring 36 fighters.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Earlier this year the IAF asked global companies to submit a proposal for 110 fighters. Six global defence manufacturing giants including Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale fighters, have responded. The process of evaluating the fighters is on.

So will the verdict also assure the bureaucracy and ensure the process of acquiring another 110 fighters be faster than expected? “Unlikely,” the officer said and added, “officials are likely to be cagey even after the verdict.”

Read full coverage on Rafale here

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On