Modi’s authority to ink Rafale deal questioned at SC hearing

The matter of 36 Rafale planes had never gone to the IAF.

Rafale jets: Govt hands pricing details to Supreme Court

On Monday, the document on the decision-making process related to the deal was also given to the petitioners.

India signed a deal with Dassault in 2016 for the transfer of 36 Rafale jets but the deal has since faced criticism.

However, the Congress launched a fresh attack over the Rafale deal on Tuesday, saying the defence minister was “suppressing facts”.

Speaking at a seminar, the air chief said countries like China are modernising its air force significantly.

IAF vice chief S B Deo also said those criticising the Rafale deal must understand the laid down norms and procurement procedure.

Gandhi has demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the issue.

Taking a dig at the CWC members over allegations of corruption they face, he said it is “corruption wali committee”.

The deal, the first fighter plane contract in 20 years, comes with a 50 per cent offset clause after several rounds of negotiations.

Underlining that the teeth of any air force is the combat fleet, Raha said that the country needs another production line besides the Tejas.