Rahul Gandhi Attacks PM Modi Over Boeing VVIP Jet But The Deal Was Sanctioned By UPA Govt

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (6 October) attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Central Government over the acquisition of two Boeing 777 Air India One jets (expected to be called Air Force One in the future) which will be used to ferry the Prime Minister, President and Vice-President on their official tours.

Rahul Gandhi as per reports made this statement while trying to counterattack the centre after questions were raised over him sitting on a cushioned seat while participating in a tractor rally against farm bills in Punjab.

Rahul Gandhi has been quoted as saying that, "(Prime Minister’s new Air India One plane), bought for more than Rs 8,000 crore of the taxpayers’ money, had not just a cushion but a whole lot of luxury beds for his comfort...Why don’t you question them about".

Rahul Gandhi went on to attack Prime Minister Modi by alleging that he has wasted thousands of crores on the planes as his friend Donald Trump has one.

These accusations of the former Congress president though may turn out to be a political self goal. Contrary to his claim, the deal was sanctioned by the erstwhile UPA government and not by the NDA regime led by Prime Minister Modi.

As per sources, the process for procuring these aircrafts began around a decade ago under the UPA Government and current dispensation brought the process to a logical conclusion.

Brief Chronology Of The Aircraft Acquisition

The process of acquisition of two new aircrafts for the travel of VVIPs commenced in 2011 when upon direction of Group of Ministers (GOM), a meeting of Committee of Secretaries (CoS) was held wherein it was decided that an Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) would examine the available options for long term arrangement of VVIP aircrafts.

In the same year, an Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) coordinated by Cabinet Secretariat was set up to consider all the options, including acquisition, management and utilization of aircraft for VVIP operations.

IMG met around ten times and submitted recommendations in 2012. Two options were recommended- convert an existing B777 ER, or use one of the new ones that were ordered by Air India but yet to be delivered.

Further, Cabinet Secretariat recommended transfer of the aircraft to the Indian Air Force in August, 2013. Thereafter, the process was just brought to its logical conclusion.

It may be noted that the aircrafts used for VVIP travel till now, the famed Air India Jumbo Jets are more than 25 years old. Not only are they incapable of long, trans-Atlantic flights, forcing halt enroute for refueling and replenishment purposes. They are also fuel guzzlers of epic proportions.

It should also be noted that the aircraft belonging to the Indian Air Force have not been solely acquired for the use of the Prime Minister but will also be used by the President and Vice-President.

Air India One Aircraft

The aircraft has been fitted with advance and secure communication system which allows mid-air audio and video communication without the risk of being hacked or taped.

The aircraft has also been equipped with Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) and Self-Protection Suites (SPS) missile defence systems. These defence systems are "capable of jamming enemy radar frequencies, diverting heat-seeking missiles and intercepting advanced intermediate range missile systems".

These defence systems operate automatically and do not need any intervention from the crew. This security is said to be comparable to the Air Force One used by the American President.

The aircraft also provides office space, meeting rooms and a dedicated area for medical treatment. It is capable of flying non-stop between India and the US.