March 13, 2026 10:37 am (IST)
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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.
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