Article Posted on : - Jun 03, 2014

NEW DELHI (PTI): IAF chief Arup Raha on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is believed to have briefed him on the operational preparedness of the force.

The IAF chief told the Prime Minister about the requirements of the force.

The IAF is ready with a detailed presentation for the new Government on its requirements which include the earliest possible acquisition of 126 Rafale multi-role combat aircraft along with light utility choppers.

The deal has been stuck for the last two years and in view of the delays in getting new planes, the IAF has been forced to continue operating its vintage MiG-series of aircraft, which have been frequently meeting with accidents.

The force is also facing shortage of light utility choppers in view of scrapped tenders and stuck deals in view of bribery allegations against the participating vendors and officers involved in the trial procedures.

Raha has already briefed Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on the operational preparedness of the force and the support required by it from the Government for strengthening its capabilities.