Amid reports that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to get a power boost as the defence minister-headed Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which will meet on Thursday, may clear a massive deal for procurement of 114 Rafale fighters from France, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor said the IAF is looking forward to inducting a lot more of newer-generation aircraft in its inventory.
"Sooner, the better," he said while addressing a press conference ahead of Exercise Vayu Shakti.
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On being asked about the performance of Rafale fighter jets during the recent military conflict with Pakistan, he said, "Rafale definitely was a hero, among other heroes, during Operation Sindoor. Yes, Rafale is the buzzword; it is definitely a buzzword."
He added, "The IAF is looking forward to inducting a lot more MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft), whether that will be Rafale or any other aircraft, is presently under consideration. And, a concrete decision on it has not yet been taken."
His remarks come even as Swedish defence firm Saab pitched its Gripen E to India as a fighter that could significantly improve India's air power. "The highest availability of any fighter gives an unrivalled combat mass to counter any adversary. Gripen will fit perfectly in IAF together with Rafale and Tejas," Mikael Franzen, Chief Marketing Officer, Gripen, and Vice President of Business Area Aeronautics, had recently said.
Meanwhile, Rafale, Su-30, MiG-29, Tejas, Jaguar, among other fighter aircraft, will be part of the upcoming Exercise Vayu Shakti, which will also highlight the "successful role" of the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor, another senior officer said at the press conference.
More than 120 assets, including fighter jets, helicopters and transport aircraft, will be part of the exercise
