Bengaluru: Even as the Rafale deal is creating a huge political controversy in India, the most-talked about Rafale jet yesterday gave a dazzling display with breathtaking manoeuvres at the 12th edition of Asia’s premier air show ‘Aero India 2019’ at the Yelahanka air base.
The five-day mega event began on a sombre note, a day after two aircraft of Surya Kiran, Indian Air Force (IAF)’s aerobatics team, collided mid air, killing a pilot and injuring two others who ejected to safety. Tributes were paid to the Surya Kiran aircraft pilot killed in the crash.
Rafale has been participating in the prestigious shows since 2011. Rafale aircraft flew at low speed to pay tribute to Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi who died in the mid-air collision.
Last week, three French-made Rafale fighter jets landed at the Yelahanka Air Force Station for the Aero India show even as the Comptroller and Audit General (CAG) report on Indo-French Rafale deal was submitted in the Parliament. Two of the jets were used for flying exercises and the third one for display.
The Congress accused the BJP of massive irregularities in the deal. However, the CAG report revealed that the Rafale fighter jets were 2.86 percent cheaper than the price that was being negotiated by the UPA in 2012. But further claimed that as the banking charges had been waived, the price agreed by the Indian government should have been even lower. Also, removal of sovereign guarantees only benefited the French manufacturer.
The report also stated that India saved 17.08 per cent money for the India Specific Enhancements while purchasing 36 Rafale aircraft, as compared to the 126 aircraft deal negotiated by the UPA government. Dassault is scheduled to deliver four Rafales to India in September.
The air display began with vintage Dakota aircraft, followed by formations of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and Light Utility Helicopter, DO-228, Hawk and HTT40 aircrafts. Then came the flypast and thrilling manoeuvres by MIG 21, Sarang team, Saras PT1, Embraer along with Sukhoi, Boeing P8I, LCA Tejas, HTT40, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, LUH, F-16 Fighting Falcon, Airbus 330 and the mighty B-52 Stratofortress bomber, among others.
LCA also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who named it as Tejas, by performing certain sets of manoeuvres. On static display among other things at the air show are HAL’s Light Utility Helicopter(PT-1), Light Combat Helicopter (TD-2), Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra) and ALH MICU (Medical Intensive CareUnit). The Aero India official website said a total of 61 aircraft would be on display and 403 exhibitors would be part of the show.