Following past procurement controversies, including the high-profile Rafale deal, the Indian government is planning a transparent and controversy-free model for acquiring 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) to bolster the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) squadron strength. This new approach seeks to eliminate potential pitfalls seen in prior contracts, such as the Rafale deal, which faced legal scrutiny and public debate over cost and classified information.
The MRFA tender, originally announced in April 2019, requires substantial technology transfer and licensing for local manufacturing. The delay in moving forward has raised concerns among defence circles, as the project is yet to secure the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) — the initial clearance in India’s defence procurement process. According to defence sources, the government is working on a safer procurement model that maintains transparency and meets the IAF’s urgent needs.
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With its current squadron strength at 30, the IAF is significantly short of its sanctioned 42 squadrons, a gap the MRFA program aims to help address. The IAF has expressed urgency for rapid induction, with Air Chief Marshal AP Singh remarking in October that the MRFA is “needed as on yesterday.” This highlights the IAF’s reliance on timely procurement to maintain operational readiness.
Additionally, while 36 Rafale jets were delivered as part of an emergency contract between India and France in 2016, the original plan for 126 aircraft was scrapped in favour of a smaller order. Though the entire fleet was inducted by 2020, the IAF is now exploring the procurement of 26 Rafale-M jets specifically designed for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers, signalling ongoing strategic cooperation with France.
Indigenization and Enhanced Fighter Capabilities
The MRFA initiative aligns with India’s emphasis on indigenization, aiming to manufacture the aircraft within India with significant domestic content. This approach not only strengthens India’s defence self-sufficiency but also minimizes dependency on foreign suppliers. Concurrently, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program plays a critical role in IAF’s modernization plans. However, delays in the LCA-MK1A’s delivery schedule have created pressure for alternative solutions. The development of the advanced LCA-MK2 is underway, with its maiden flight anticipated for next year, but full production is not expected until late 2027.
Balancing Indigenization with Rapid Induction Needs
The government’s cautious approach to MRFA procurement aims to balance transparency with speed.
As Air Chief Marshal AP Singh suggested in October during a media briefing, if both the LCA-MK2 and MRFA progress as planned, the IAF could reach around 36 squadrons by mid-next decade.
However, delays could force India to explore alternative fighter options to meet its operational requirements, emphasizing the pressing need for a streamlined, efficient, and controversy-free procurement model.