Daijiworld Media Network
New Delhi, May 22: An attempted break-in was reported at Paris office of Indian Air Force (IAF), which is monitoring the manufacture of 36 Rafales ordered by India.
It is believed that the break-in was a possible espionage attempt, to steal data related to the aircraft. However, sources in Indian Air Force told a news agency that no hard disk or documents were stolen and the motive behind the break-in needs to be ascertained.
The data related to the aircraft is critical to India’s national security plans. Government sources said that the defence ministry has already been briefed by the Indian Air Force regarding the incident and French police are probing the case.
The Indian Air Force Rafale project management team office is located in a building complex in Saint Cloud suburb of Paris. It is headed by a Group Captain-rank officer. The office looks into issues related to the procurement of 36 Rafale combat aircrafts, production timelines and training of Indian personnel for maintenance and flying operations.
The Rafale deal, which is a Rs 59,800-crore agreement between India and France was signed in 2016. It has triggered a major controversy with opposition pointing fingers at the NDA government for crony capitalism.
Rahul Gandhi has leveled corruption charges in procurement of Rafale and stated that Modi government signed an overpriced deal only to facilitate an offset contract for Anil Ambani’s defence company that lacks experience.