Rafales will keep Pakistan away from LoC: IAF chief Dhanoa

Chief of Indian Air Force (IAF) BS Dhanoa on March 25 said once the Rafale jets are procured, they will be the best combat aircraft in the Indian subcontinent making the country a formidable force. He added Pakistan would not dare come near theLine of control (LoC) or the International border.

Speaking to ANI, Dhanoa said Rafale’s air-to-air combat capability in a combat situation will ensure the deterrence of our air defence. Speaking at the induction event of four US-made Chinook helicopters, he said the first aircraft in the 36—plane deal is scheduled to be delivered in September to the IAF.

The Rafales will be armed with Meteor air-to-air missiles which have the capability of shooting down enemy planes at strike ranges up to 150 km. Dhanoa said in terms weapons capability this would be better than what China and Pakistan have.

The Rafale jet deal controversy has been on the boil for the past few months. The Congress claims that the Modi government is buying these planes at a much higher rate than the deal negotiated by the UPA government.