Latest news with #MRFA
India Today
a day ago
- Business
- India Today
India-US defence talks on; Tejas engine deliveries, follow-on orders fast-tracked
India is negotiating with the US to fast-track the deliveries of F404 engines for Tejas Mk1A. So far, India has received two engines from General Electric (GE) after a delay of over a year, while a third engine will be delivered this month. According to sources, GE has committed one engine every month and two engines every month after October. advertisementAmid the speculations of India pausing the defence deals with the US, a top source told India Today that besides expediting the engine procurement process for the initial order for 99 engines, there are talks for the follow-on order for the additional 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters for which approvals have already been made by the MoD. According to the source, the deal for the follow-up orders for F-404 engines is almost finalised and is likely to be closed by the end of August. Another major breakthrough is to be reached for the procurement of F414 engines from US, for AMCA and Tejas Mk2 fighters that are to be made in India. The deliberations for F414 are also on and the technical negotiations are already over. It might take few more months to get finalised according to the sources. Earlier, government sources denied a Reuters report claiming that India is likely to pause arms and aircraft purchases from the US after Trump hiked tariffs to 50 per cent. Government sources termed the report as "false and fabricated" and said no decision has been taken to cancel defence deals with Washington, DC, and that the status quo on defence procurement has been maintained.A team from the US is expected to be in India next month for the negotiations with India for defence procurements. Denying the speculative reports about India pausing the orders for defence equipment from the US, the sources in the MoD said that the discussions for the six more P8I aircraft from the US for the Indian Navy are still on the table. There has been no change in the defence procurement process after the tariff was hiked by US President Donald Trump. Apart from the engine procurement for the Tejas programme, there are deliberations about the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) procurement on which an announcement is expected soon. While India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative prioritises indigenous fighter jets, foreign acquisitions remain an option to bridge capability gaps, especially with MiG squadrons retiring, and the overall fighter strength expected to drop to 29 squadrons. All potential options will be assessed on multiple parameters. The Indian Air Force and Navy already operate Rafales, and according to sources, the IAF has recommended them for the MRFA programme. However, the Ministry of Defence may also consider alternatives such as the Russian Su-35, additional US fighters, and Swedish models. There has been no indication of interest in the US F-35. In the wake of Operation Sindoor, defence procurements are being pursued at an accelerated pace.- Ends
News18
a day ago
- Business
- News18
Not F-35 or SU-57… India Eyeing This Deadly Fighter Jet Feared Across Borders
The IAF has identified the Rafale as the most suitable platform to strengthen its fleet under the long-delayed Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme In the wake of Operation Sindoor, which underscored the precision-strike capability of the Rafale in combat, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has renewed its push to acquire additional units of the French-made fighter. While India's air dominance was once again on display during the operation earlier this year, the IAF continues to face a critical shortfall in combat squadrons, a gap that senior commanders say must be addressed urgently. Rejecting the American F-35 and Russian Su-57 for the moment, the IAF has identified the Rafale as the most suitable platform to strengthen its fleet under the long-delayed Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme. Senior officials have 'strongly advocated a government-to-government agreement with France" to fast-track procurement, most of which would be manufactured domestically in partnership with foreign firms. This would mean that 'very soon the Indian Air Force will get 'desi Rafale'." Current Strength and the Gap India's requirement stands at a minimum of 42 fighter squadrons. At present, the IAF operates only 29, compared to Pakistan's 25 and China's formidable 66 squadrons. Both rivals already possess 5th-generation fighters, while India's most advanced combat aircraft, the Rafale, belongs to the 4.5-generation class. The IAF currently fields two squadrons of Rafales. According to a The Times of India report, the IAF is set to push the MRFA proposal to the stage of Initial Acceptance of Requirement (AON), the first formal step in the procurement process. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is expected to take up the matter within the next two months. Sources say the final decision will rest with the government when the MRFA case reaches the DAC, but the urgency is clear that the IAF is keen to prevent any further decline in squadron numbers. Momentum After Operation Sindoor The renewed push for Rafales comes just two months after Operation Sindoor, which ran from May 7 to 10 as a retaliatory action following the Pahalgam attack in April. Rafales played a central role, carrying out long-range precision strikes across the border. The MRFA programme has been in limbo for seven to eight years, with its initial estimated cost pegged at over Rs 1.2 lakh crore. The IAF currently maintains 31 fighter squadrons, each comprising 16-18 jets. With the impending retirement of the MiG-21 fleet next month, that figure will drop to its lowest-ever 29 squadrons. The 5th-Gen Requirement The IAF has also acknowledged the need to induct 5th-generation fighters, with the Russian Sukhoi Su-57 and the American F-35 under consideration. However, talks on this front have not begun. From a cost-efficiency and maintenance standpoint, the IAF believes more Rafales under a direct government-to-government deal with France would be the most viable solution. The last such deal was signed in September 2016, worth Rs 59,000 crore, for 36 jets now stationed at Ambala and Hasimara air bases. If approved, the MRFA push could ensure the IAF does not just maintain its current edge but also narrows the gap with regional rivals in the years ahead. view comments First Published: News india Not F-35 or SU-57… India Eyeing This Deadly Fighter Jet Feared Across Borders Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India.com
2 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Bad news for Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Not the F-35 or Su-57, India demands THIS supersonic fighter jet, Rajnath Singh likely to...it can travel...
New Delhi: The bankrupt Pakistan and the rest of the world witnessed the might of India's Air Force during 'Operation Sindoor'. The Indian Air Force launched precision attacks on nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK). Despite facing a shortage of fighter aircraft, the IAF demonstrated unmatched commitment and strength during the operation. According to the reports, India is now planning to further boost its aerial capabilities by bridging the gap in its fighter squadrons. The IAF is reportedly pushing for more Rafale fighter jets under the MRFA (Multi Role Fighter Aircraft) project. The IAF has strongly advocated for a government-to-government deal with France to procure additional Rafale jets under its long-pending project to acquire 114 multi-role fighter aircraft. Most of these jets will be manufactured domestically with foreign collaboration. In other words, the Indian Air Force will soon be getting 'Made-in-India' Rafales. Here are some of the key details: India needs at least 42 fighter squadrons, but the Air Force currently has only 29. Pakistan has 25 squadrons, while China has 66. Both Pakistan and China possess 5th-generation fighter jets, whereas India does not have them yet. India's most advanced fighter aircraft at present is the Rafale — a 4.5-generation fighter jet. The Air Force currently has two squadrons of these. Which fighter jet is the IAF eyeing? The Indian Air Force will push the MRFA (Multi Role Fighter Aircraft) project for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which is the first step in the lengthy procurement process, according to a Times of India report. This is expected to be approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) led by Rajnath Singh within a month or two. The report has further added taht once the MRFA proposal reaches the DAC, the government will take the final decision. However, the IAF has assessed an immediate need for additional Rafale jets to prevent further depletion of its fighter squadron strength.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
After Operation Sindoor, IAF Pushes For More Rafale Jets To Stem Depletion Of Fighter Squadrons
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has strongly backed a government-to-government deal with France to procure more Rafale jets under its long-pending MRFA project for 114 fighter aircraft, most of which will be built in India with foreign collaboration. Top defence sources told TOI the IAF will seek initial Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) from the Defence Acquisition Council within two months. The move follows Operation Sindoor in May, where Rafales were used extensively. With squadron strength dropping to 29, IAF cites urgency. The push also aligns with a new roadmap for capability enhancement prepared by a high-level committee led by the defence secretary.#indiandefence #iaf #rafaledeal #mrfa #dassaultrafale #defenceministry #operationsindoor #rafale #toi #toibharat Read More
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Rafale rally: IAF accelerates push for new fighter jets to boost squadron strength amid China-Pak threat
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively pushing for a government-to-government agreement with France to acquire additional Rafale fighter jets under the long-pending Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, reported TOI on Monday. The project envisions procuring 114 jets, most of which are intended to be manufactured domestically through foreign collaboration. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program According to TOI defence sources, the IAF plans to submit the MRFA case for the initial Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)—the first crucial step in the procurement process—to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh within the next one to two months. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Things Women Should NEVER Wear! Undo "Government will take the final decision when the MRFA case comes to DAC. But yes, IAF has projected an urgent need for additional Rafales to stem the depletion in the number of its fighter squadrons," a source told the news outlet. While the final decision rests with the government once the case reaches the DAC, the reported noted that the IAF has stressed the urgent requirement for more Rafales to address the decline in its fighter squadron strength. Live Events Strategic & logistical advantages The IAF also projects a need for two to three squadrons of fifth-generation fighters—considering options like Russia's Sukhoi-57 and America's F-35—until the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) becomes production-ready by 2035. However, no formal discussions have yet begun with either Russia or the US, TOI further reported. Officials argue that acquiring additional Rafales via a government-to-government route under the MRFA scheme would be economically and logistically more sensible and faster than launching a global tender. The existing infrastructure at the Ambala and Hasimara air bases, which currently house 36 Rafales procured under a Rs 59,000 crore inter-governmental deal signed in September 2016, can accommodate at least one more squadron each. "Both air bases already have the infrastructure and storage capacity to base at least one more Rafale squadron each," the source told TOI. Additionally, the report states that the Indian Navy is slated to receive 26 Rafale-Marine jets for operations from the INS Vikrant between 2028 and 2030 under a separate Rs 63,887 crore contract with France signed in April. Expanding the Rafale fleet would promote platform commonality and simplify logistics across the armed forces. This push aligns with a recent high-level committee report led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, which outlined a comprehensive plan to accelerate the IAF's capability enhancement through increased private sector involvement alongside DRDO and defence public sector units. Operational pressure The IAF's renewed demand for Rafales follows the recent Operation Sindoor (May 7–10), during which Rafales played a key role in conducting long-range strikes across the Pakistan border. Despite Pakistan's claims of shooting down six IAF jets, including three Rafales, India has denied such losses. During the operation, Pakistan deployed Chinese-origin J-10 fighters equipped with PL-15 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles with ranges exceeding 200 km. Currently, the IAF operates 31 fighter squadrons, each with 16-18 jets, a number expected to fall to a record low of 29 after the imminent retirement of MiG-21 aircraft next month. According to TOI, this is significantly below the authorised strength of 42.5 squadrons required to counter threats from China and Pakistan—especially with China expected to supply Pakistan with approximately 40 J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters in the near future.
