September 25, 2026 08:23 am (IST)
Follow us:
Centre scraps $20 billion MMRCA deal for 126 Rafale jets for IAF
New Delhi, Apr 13 (IBNS): The NDA government has scrapped the $20 billion Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) deal for purchase of 126 Rafale fighter jets, which was signed by the previous United Progressive Alliance government.
Speaking to CNN-IBN, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar claimed that Rafale fighters cannot replace the ageing MiG-21 which will be phased out in the next 6-10 years.
He said that India's indigenous Light Combat aircraft Tejas will replace MiG 21 as both are almost of the same category.
"We have not purchased any new aircraft of latest technology in the past 15 years. IAF desperately needs fourth generation aircraft, the fifth generation that we are working on will take 10-15 years," said Parrikar.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
Rahul Gandhi calls Gyanesh Kumar ‘deshdrohi', demands his resignation; BJP hits back
Thu, Sep 24 2026
‘How does anti-incumbency disappear?’: Rahul Gandhi targets Modi, Shah in fresh ‘vote chori’ attack, demands Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation
Thu, Sep 24 2026
Nandigram bypoll shock: Calcutta HC shields Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in 2007 case, but will he walk free?
Thu, Sep 24 2026
‘Resign in 48 hours or face nationwide agitation’: CJP’s ultimatum to Gyanesh Kumar over SIR row
Thu, Sep 24 2026