In view of the ongoing controversy surrounding the Rafale jet deal, the government informed that the basic version of the Rafale jet would cost 670 crores. The opposition has cornered the Centre on the $8.7- billion aircraft deal with France.
Subhash Bhamre, minister of state for defence, said that the price per unit of the jet manufactured by the French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation did not cover the cost of associated components, package, enhancements, and support and services. Bhamre had stated the same amount as the cost of the jet in the Lower House two years ago.
The government had ordered the Rafales in September 2016. It comes equipped with latest weapons and tailored for Indian needs. Enhancements which are India-specific are helmet-mounted sight, radar warning receivers, flight data recorders with enough storage for 10 hours, infra-red search and track systems, jammers. In addition it has the engine start capability to operate in Leh.
The Congress alleged the BJP government of causing a loss of Rs 12,632 crore by the Rafale deal. The opposition party alleged that India had paid Rs 351 crore more for each jet than Egypt and Qatar.
Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier termed the contract as a clean and law-compliant deal. He concluded that those raising questions had misinterpreted figures to conclude that India ordered expensive warplanes.