New Delhi: The Rafale deal is very crucial for the Indian Air Force (IAF), said Indian Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, on Wednesday, September 12.

Addressing a seminar in Delhi, he said that India is confronting a grave threat that no other country is facing and hence India needs to be prepared to face any dangerous situation.

“Our neighbouring countries are not sitting still. Countries like China are updating their air force day by day, therefore Indian air force needs to match their force level to that of other countries,” added the Air Chief.

The government is procuring Rafale fighter jets and S-400 missile systems to enhance the capability of the armed forces but the Congress, as well as many others, are against Rafale jet deal.

The inter-government deal has been signed between India and France according to which France has to provide 36 Rafale fighter jets to India as early as next year.