Controversial Rafale Deal has only questions, no answers


Stany Bela

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Sep 26: Scams in defence ministry are not a new thing for India and Indian politics. It started the very next year of its independence. Some scams are investigated and closed. Some are still under investigation and political parties are using it for their political gain.

The first defence scam came into light in 1948, the very next year of Independence. Indian government signed to purchase Jeeps for its army from an England based company. It was the deal to purchase 200 Jeeps worth Rs 80 lacs. But violating the deal conditions the British company only delivered 155 Jeeps. But in 1955 the case was closed.

Between 80s and 90s the Bofors scam shook the nation. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was at the centre of this scam. As per scam, Rs 64 crore was paid to Ottavio Quattrocchi a middleman and close aide of Rajiv Gandhi’s family to facilitate the deal for the 155mm howitzers from the Swedish firm Bofors. The allegations were first made by the Swedish radio. The deal for 400 Bofors guns was worth $1.3 billion. This scam still haunts the Congress party and its leaders, as time and again the opposition brings up the issue.

In 1999, sting operation by Thehelka and the coffin case, both related to Defence Ministry made much noise in political surroundings. Tehelka.com, an online news portal, by its sting operation, revealed army officers and political leaders taking bribes during arms deals.

Coffin case, related to Kargil war, highlighted corruption during purchase of coffins which were used to send the bodies of martyrs to their families. The CBI had registered a case against a US contractor and some senior Army officers. The then Defence minister George Fernandes was also accused of being involved in the case.

In 2006, Barak Missile scam became a debating issue in political and defence circles. Former treasurer of the Samata Party RK Jain was arrested in the case. According to the CBI, the missile system was purchased at a much higher price than that initially quoted price by Israel.

Later in 2012, former army chief general VK Singh alleged that he was offered Rs 14 crore as bribe to clear the purchase of Tata trucks. Questions were also raised about the quality of the trucks.

Now once again Indian Defence Ministry and government is under pressure to clarify on a new controversial defence deal which India signed during an inter-governmental agreement with France, dubbed as "Rafale deal", in which India will pay about Rs. 58,000 crore for 36 off-the-shelf Dassault Rafale twin-engine fighters.

The root of Rafale Deal

The announcement on Rafale Deal was made by Narendra Modi, Indian Prime Minister in his first ever France visit. This is the base of the entire controversy. On April 10, 2015 he revealed that India will purchase 36 fighter jets from French Company Dassault Aviation.

Rafale is a fighter jet and it capable to carry latest type of war weapons built by Dassault Aviation of France. The company started to build these types of war planes in 80s. In 2001 Dassault Aviation become a part of French Air Force. Apart from France air force and navy, Qatar and Egypt are also using Rafale fighters for their defence purposes.

As per Rafale deal, India will purchase Rafale fighter which has the speed of 1912 kilometres per hour. It has 3 drop tanks and in a single flight it can cover 3700 kilometres. At a time it can carry air to air, air to ground, air to surface missiles. It has space to include bombs like ‘Astra Sudarshan’, A.E.S.A Radar and Derby Missile (manufactured by Israel). Air force can use it for operation both day and night.

Why Rafale ?

From past many years army is demanding to replace the older jet fighter flights. Facilitating this demand in 2012, UPA government decided to buy new Rafale war flights from France. After consultation from army and its various wings, the second UPA government came closer to the deal of purchasing 126 Rafale flights from Dassault Aviation. But it did not succeed in signing the deal.

Agreement at the time of UPA government

The basic price of the single flight is Rs 526 crore. It is excluding the maintenance, war equipment, and the additional technology which was demanded by Indian Air Force. Indian government would purchase 18 flights and rest 108 will manufacture at Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) Bengaluru plant with the technical help of Dassault Aviation.

NDA government and revised Agreement

The basic price increased from Rs 526 to Rs 670 crore. The total price, which is full options, and entire technical assistance is Rs 1611 crore. For total 36 flights government should pay Rs 58,000 crore. As per deal, Indian government has given 15 percent of amount as advance.

Allegations

For 36 fighter jets government has agreed to pay the amount which is 3 times more than the basic price. Government also dropped HAL from the deal and included private firm Reliance Defence which came to existence just 12 days before the announcement. Modi did the announcement about deal on April 10, 2015. Reliance Defence came to existence on March 28, 2015. Opposition alleged that Modi showed special interest to include Reliance Defence in deal and recommended to drop HAL.

Prime Minister violated the procedures to defence policies. As per procedures, Prime Minister should chair meeting of defence acquisitions council (DAC) which includes all three army heads and ministry. Without discussing in a meeting, he announced the deal during his France visit.

Explanation from government

In previous deal there was no agreement on exchanging the technology of manufacturing the war flights. The new price is decided based on some additional and new features. Same time for the new price, Safran (Flight Engine manufacturers) Thals (Electrical system designers), the co manufactures of Dassault, will hand over their manufacturing technology to India.

Reliance Defence is included by Dassault directly. Indian government never suggested Reliance nor dropped HAL. During his Paris visit Prime Minister only expressed Indian government’s desire. The proceeding completed after one year of his France visit.

HAL does not have capacity to manufacture the fighter jets and they failed to give guarantee regarding this. In the term of UPA itself they dropped out from deal.

Latest controversy

Last week former French President Francois Hollande was quoted in an article by a French website as claiming that the Indian government had asked the French government to nominate Reliance Defence as its India partner in the deal. This kicked up a new controversy and Indian opposition took it up like a new weapon against the government. Understanding the depth of controversy, Government of France denied the claims made by Hollande about the Rafale deal. Taking note of the criticism , France government said that the secrecy pact applies to the 2016 Rafale deal.

But still a question remains if HAL does not have enough experience for manufacturing the fighter jets then how can Reliance Defence which is still considered as an infant in the industry match up? No one has the answer now. This is not the only question in Rafale deal anyway. There are too many.  

  

Top Stories

Comment on this article

  • ahmed, mangalore

    Thu, Sep 27 2018

    this not a big gest issue for MODI AMith and for BJP ..

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shanthram Hegde, Koppa

    Thu, Sep 27 2018

    Modi own his first lottery. The result will come out upon change of govt. Voters you all only wait for pakodas. he took away the ghee.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sheikh, Karkala

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Rafale is tsunami, is enough to blow out modi sarkar.

    Bahut hogaya chowkidari.
    Ab Anil Ambani ka chowkidari karo.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jd, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    I was wondering, if the present government is better than earlier, all these years. I now have the answer. Thank you french President.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dinesh, Udupi

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    BJP wanted to play JUMLA game with tax payers money but it turned out as GAPLA!!!!

    DisAgree [6] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • ABD, LOS ANGELES

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    KHANGRESS LEADERS ARE TRYING TO FOOL THE PUBLIC BY USING RAFAEL DEAL AS THEIR TOOL TO COUNTER MODIJI IN 2019..INFACT THERE HAS BEEN NO SCAM THAT HAPPENED AFTER MODIJI BECAME PM. KHANGRESSIS CANNOT DIGEST THE SUCCESS OF BJP ACROSS COUNTRY

    DisAgree [44] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mani, Karkala

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Sudhar jao bhai. Adige biddaroo moogu mele. I can say only ‘pity on you‘. Bhaktas are feeling heat. Even God cannot save BJP now.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • David Pais, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 27 2018

    abcd ache din in loss angeles.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • PEDDA GUNDOO, MANGALURU

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Brahat JOMBI party ! who only belongs to zombi which never change their mind set ! he knew nerve of the people who can buy the product without any verification's from BABA RAMADEV THEN they can vote to BABA MODI !

    DisAgree [2] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prescilla Sequeira, Pune

    Thu, Sep 27 2018

    After Reliance Defense by Anil Ambani next deal will be given to Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Combat Express! All good days for Lalith Modi ,' Nirav Modi, Mehul Bhai, Vijay Mallya,Sardesara,Baba Ramdev and next in line Arnab Gooswami.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • JNB, mangalore-mumbai

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    POINTS TO BE NOTED!
    *Modi did the announcement about deal on April 10, 2015.
    * Reliance Defence came to existence on March 28, 2015.
    * HAL does not have enough experience for manufacturing the fighter jets
    * then how can Reliance Defence which is still considered

    ANY SHARE OF AMITH ?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • avani, mlore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    My worry is between all these, our IAF /Military will never be upgraded. Open minded people can investigate through googling further if the Reliance Defense Co really came into existence only in 2015 or was the infrastructure was there before in a different name and later taken over by Reliance. I request Congress not to stop the buying of the jets in national interest. (I know you will not read my comment and your supporters chose not to agree). You are ignoring the fact that there is technical know how getting passed to India as per the contract. This is big plus. Whoever, do not want our forces to get upgraded on time, please continue to oppose.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • geoffrey, hat hill

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    You are ignoring the big MINUS ' Why state owned HAL outsted?'

    DisAgree [1] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • avani, mlore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    State owning is not the only criteria . If HAL's facilities did not meet the criteria , who is responsible? think.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • geoffrey, hat hill

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Any guess what's in the glass? Looks like Screwdriver (vodka+ orange)

    DisAgree [1] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • N.M, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    The cat is out of the bag. French President Macron makes it clear that what President Hollande who negotiated this with Modi said, is the truth. Foisting crony friends to take away Indian taxpayer money cannot be done secretly forever. Mr Modi, this is your #RafaleScam

    DisAgree [3] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • N.M, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Rafale-Reliance Scam is one of the biggest frauds alongside Demonzatization scam.

    Thanks to Brashta Janara Parivar.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [47] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    No harm in helping a Bankrupt Friend ...

    DisAgree [9] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • JNB, mangalore-mumbai

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    a friend in a need
    indeed

    DisAgree [2] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mango, Mlore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Mind it !!
    We want those Rafale fighters as soon as possible !!
    In defense deals kickbacks and secret clauses are needed for political and strategic purposes. India is no exception !!
    A minister like A.K.Antony too couldn't handle a defense ministry, just sincerity is not enough. Cut down in number of Rafale planes has infused freshness to our indigenous LCA project.

    DisAgree [28] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jenifer, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Then, why did Chaiwala say "Naa khaooonga, naa khane doonga " ?

    He could have said, I'm no different from others, if you wish vote for me, otherwise don't ??

    DisAgree [1] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Tell The Truth, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    2 0 1 9 - Agli Baar Modi Sarkar.

    DisAgree [39] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kiran, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Agli Baar Pakoda Bekaar

    DisAgree [2] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shenoy, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Center doing tamasha and bhakts enjoying the cock and bull story..
    Its like , One fine day our Society caught a Thief and asked did you steal ,,,,
    The Thief said iam from North..
    Society: Aapne Chorikiya .
    Thief : I am hungry..
    Society : Did you Rob..
    Thief ; I am Vegeterain.
    Society : kallthana madiddiyo Maraya..
    Thief ; I am Deaf.
    Society : Chori Kellawe maraya..
    Thief ; I am Sick.
    Society : Lakkadana Maraya bagal.....
    Thief ; I am Married and Not Married.
    Society : Did you steal..,............when Questioned ,,No answers from the Gang..Only diversion topics....
    Public is smart they have brains to decide and know the actual reason for playing cock and bull game.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [57] Reply Report Abuse

  • JK, Udupi/Dubai

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    After reading this news article, now it is clear that there is no point in accusing Modi or NDA govt. it is politically created controversy!!

    DisAgree [52] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    PM , a leader in disguise!
    SC has to intervene and opposition must make an effort.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • RAJ, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Government has to give answer to them, who are asking actually question of answer instead of answer of question............

    DisAgree [1] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • G R PRABHUJI, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Today is M M Singh s birthday He is 86. And Modiji is 68 .Ulta Palta.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • sri_elder, Karkala

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Unit price from 526 crore to 670 crore is not very high...
    Order volume is reduced from 126 to 36...

    Business theory is that unit price increases when volume reduces.. Moreover supplier can deny or cancel entire order for reducing order volume... That is business for you..

    DisAgree [51] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • RAJ, MANGALORE

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    RIGHT ALSO DEAL IS HAPPENING AFTER A GAP OF 6 YEARS

    DisAgree [16] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • geoffrey, hat hill

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Elder, ' Supplier can deny or cancel the order.......?' Well, as per Subramanian Swamy, If not for Indian order, Dassault would have been forced to close the shop. And your 'business theory doesn't explain why the government had to lie to the people that it had nothing to do with the ousting of HAL and inclusion of RD

    DisAgree [1] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Af,,, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    If you do not know what is basic and gross amount we cant help.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • sri_elder, Karkala

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    HAL employees are already overloaded..
    They do not have extra space for manufacturing nor space for research on rafale jets..
    Most of the PSU's are in full busy....

    DisAgree [60] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anil, MP

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    HAL employees are over loaded and do not have facility...

    My bhakt I think u got this info from chaddis site....

    Reading ur comment I understood that HAL is very busy in manufacturing F-35 stealth fighters for USA.....

    Chaddi grow up man

    DisAgree [2] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • Owin, Muscat

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Sri

    I still appreciate your guts

    You enter pool of dung even when you know it and argue that you are in the pool of perfume

    really great bhakt

    DisAgree [2] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jenifer, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Are you the same person who a day before asked 'what experience in jet-building does HAL have' ??

    How come you guys change your opinion overnight ??

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan, Mangaluru

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    With 8years of hardwork UPA and IAF put together an agreement for Rafael from France, with 36mfg in France, rest in India, it had HAL with 40yrs of experience in the field as its partner in India. Cost of the fighter is 526cr.

    Modi the Mr. India, with 56inch chest, puts BJP interest ahead of nation, cancels and renegotiates the entire deal, with the friendship of Anil Ambani, who just sets up a new company for that purpose. The cost of fighter jumps to 1,526crore or more.

    This is betrayal to India's interest, where Indians has to bear the additional cost of 1,000cr per fighter and more than that, cancelling deal delays the deliveries of the one mfg in France and finally, the one who does not have any experience, will start working on a private setup, that will put our fighter pilots at risk.

    Singing praise to Modi led BJP, shows a deep degradation of patriotism in BJP ranks. Really really sad.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [49] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    very very complicated and confusing.
    Situation is very critical and sensitive.
    Time being BJP members are in I.C.U.
    Final result will be known very soon.
    Any ways, it's very good article with all facts and failure during successive government.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [40] Reply Report Abuse

  • PenMightierThanTheSword!, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Rafale Dalaal aka Rafake Modi and his chor gang of cronies will never have answers as they are guilty. All they are capable of is lies lies and lies. They will go to extent of saying Lord Mountbatten signed the deal 😂😂😂

    DisAgree [8] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • SK, MANGALORE

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    This Rafale deal which is not properly understood by general public except that there is corruption in the deal as purchase is made for a very high price and given to an under loss company along with petrol price hike and the price of all essential goods is a very hot topic of all. Initially when the government took over in 2014 the statements and promises were made was such that India is started from zero and there is no worry for Indians as all will be OK and "ACCHE DIN AYEGA". Leave alone getting the mount in every one's account, the price started to rise like any thing and the rise of petrol price is history now. India's money value steeply declining poor people become still poor and richer people is benefiting. The recent demonetization is like as said by one leader " To kill crocodiles from a pond, water is emptied, as crocodile is strong enough and live in water and land it escaped to nearby jungles, but poor fish all died (reference to rich and powerful and poor people). God save India!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • El En Tea, Mumbai

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Haske Haske 🤣😂 banayenge ullu
    Babaji ka tullu

    DisAgree [5] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pai, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    The truth will come out if CONgress goes to Court. They have some of the best lawyers like Sibal, Singhvi.. But these CONgressis only seem to be interested in holding press conferences everyday.
    What is stopping them from going to Court?

    DisAgree [17] Agree [37] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lionel Dsouza, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    ITS ALREADY IN SC....

    DisAgree [3] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gangaram, Moodbidri

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Choronk ka baap chaukidar........

    down down chaukidar...............

    DisAgree [9] Agree [51] Reply Report Abuse

  • Hussain, Abu Dhabi

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Who said there are no answers?? Ask any Bhakt and you will get fascinating, mind boggling and mind blowing answers !!

    DisAgree [10] Agree [65] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pai, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    anil, mumbai
    Yes keep saying that a thousand times

    DisAgree [24] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • anil, mumbai

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Rafale deal biggest scam in the history of India

    DisAgree [20] Agree [78] Reply Report Abuse


Leave a Comment

Title: Controversial Rafale Deal has only questions, no answers



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.