Latest news with #MRFA
NDTV
4 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Dassault's Landmark Production Deal With Tata: What It Could Mean For IAF
New Delhi: The landmark production transfer agreements announced by Dassault Aviation, which manufactures the Rafale fighter, and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) may be a key first step towards meeting a future Indian Air Force requirement for 114 multi-role fighters. While the Defence Ministry continues to diligently follow procedure as it conducts the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme for 114 fighters for the IAF, there is a clear mismatch between the immediate requirements of the IAF and the pace at which international fighter-jet manufacturers can deliver on any potential Indian order. Even if an order were placed today, it would likely take at least five years for the first deliveries to start entering the Indian Air Force given the existing pace of manufacture of the fighter aircraft which are in the fray to win the gigantic IAF order which could be worth upwards of $25 billion at present rates. In addition to the Rafale, which it already operates, the IAF is also considering the Swedish Gripen-E, the Lockheed-Martin manufactured F-21 (an advanced variant of the F-16), the Boeing F-18EX Eagle II, the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Russian Sukhoi 35 and the Boeing F/A-18 E/F. This is where the Dassault-TASL deal can be a game-changer. In a statement, the two partners have said the four production transfer agreements mark "a significant step towards strengthening the country's aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains." The investment in the project marks "a significant investment in India's aerospace infrastructure and will serve as a critical hub for high-precision manufacturing." The partnership becomes key since the Rafale, which has found favour among a host of air forces around the world, is already under severe manufacturing strain. There is a present backlog of approximately 220 Rafale fighters which are already on order. This includes 164 export orders from Indonesia, Serbia, the UAE and from the Indian Navy, which has recently placed an order for 26 jets to be embarked on the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. At its present rate of manufacture, Dassault hopes to deliver 25 Rafales this year, that's up from 21 which were delivered in 2024. At its current rate of production, the backlog of Rafale jets could take between seven to ten years to clear, contingent of a significant ramping up of production. The Indian Navy, though, hopes to receive its first Rafale-M jet in mid-2028 with deliveries being completed by 2030, as per a specific arrangement. The Dassault-TASL agreement is expected to have a significant bearing, not just on potential Indian orders but also international requirements. Under the scope of the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will set up a cutting-edge production facility in Hyderabad for the manufacture of key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage and the front section. The first fuselage segments will roll off the Hyderabad manufacturing line in 2028. The goal is to deliver two complete fuselages per month. The final assembly of the Rafale take place at Dassault's production facility in Merignac, near Bordeaux in France. The Indian Air Force began the process to acquire 114 advanced fighter jets to fix its depleting squadron strength with a Request for Information (RFP) from international manufacturers in 2018. Seven years later, there has been no closure on the deal, despite repeated efforts from consecutive Air Force Chiefs to get the deal done. While the IAF is authorised to operate 42 squadrons (18 aircraft each), it presently operates about 31 squadrons, not enough to meet its operational requirements to defend airspace along the Pakistani and Chinese frontiers. In 2015, India scrapped its 2007 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender for 126 jets, instead acquiring just 36 Rafales from France in a $7.8 billion government-government deal signed in 2016. Pilots of the Indian Air Force whom NDTV have spoken to vouch for the Rafale fighter stating that its sensor-integration, cockpit interface and advanced weapons make it a game-changer. The IAF operates two squadrons of Rafales - based out of Ambala (Punjab) and Hasimara (West Bengal). Rafales deployed during Op Sindoor, are believed to have launched the SCALP air-launched cruise missile, a stealthy precision strike weapon known for its accuracy in striking targets. In April this year, the Indian Navy signed a deal worth approximately $7.6 billion to acquire 26 Rafale fighters to operate off the decks of its carriers. The fighter picked by the Navy in preference over Boeing's F/A-18 E/F which was also extensively tested.
Mint
5 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin shares remain in focus as India eyes more fighter jets amid border threats
Amid persistent tensions with neighbours like Pakistan and China, India looks to induct new multirole fighter jets over the next few years to enhance its combat capabilities. This brings back the focus on companies like Dassault Aviation, which manufactures Rafale aircraft that are already part of the Indian Air Force (IAF), and Lockheed Martin, which produces F-16 fighter jets. American defence company Lockheed Martin is trying to sell its F-21, an India-specific variant of its widely used F-16 fighter, which will be a 4.5 generation aircraft made in India with a local partner. Lockheed builds F-16 wings at the company's joint production facility with the Tata Group in Hyderabad and has plans to use the facility for F-21 Other global contenders vying for the MRFA contract are the US's Boeing, Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Sweden's Saab AB and Germany's Eurofighter. According to an ANI report, dated March 11, the Indian Air Force is looking to start the induction of these planes in the next four to five years through a fast-tracked global tender, with a high-level committee having accepted the need for getting new multirole fighter aircraft (MRFA). Defence sources told ANI that the induction of 114 multirole fighter jets would help the Indian Air Force to maintain its squadron strength in the next 10 years, along with the ingenious fighter jets. Currently, India is looking to add 114 multirole fighter aircrafts to its fleet. This project takes on critical importance for the Indian Air Force, whose operational strength has dwindled to 31 fighter squadrons — well below the sanctioned strength of 42. This shortfall comes at a time when China is rapidly expanding and modernising its air force, posing a growing strategic challenge in the region. The urgency is further underscored by recent events such as Operation Sindoor and the latest flare-up with Pakistan, where the use of drones, missiles, and combat aircraft played a central role, highlighting the need for a well-equipped IAF. Shares of Lockheed Martin have risen over 3.5% in the last one year to $482.21. The company, which also produces F-16 jets that are priced by Pakistan, has faced significant volatility, with the stock offering zero returns in May as the India-Pakistan conflict took centre stage. As India thwarted all attempts from Pakistan's military forces, F-16 fighter maker's stock has been on the back foot. At the same time, Dassault Aviation shares have surged 64% in the last one year. In May, the stock extended its monthly winning run to eight. Even as the month was marked by high volatility, the stock eked out 0.5% gains. Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Made in India 5th-gen fighter jet: Government clears indigenous stealth fighter jet project as China arms Pakistan
NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday green-lighted the 'Made in India' fighter jet programme to produce a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA). India has been working on the ambitious AMCA project to develop a medium-weight, deep-penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth capabilities to bolster its air power. The AMCA, along with the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), is expected to form the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the coming decades. "In a significant push towards enhancing India's indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model," the ministry of defence said. The ministry added that private sector companies are invited to participate in the project. "They can bid either independently or as a joint venture or as consortia. The entity/bidder should be an Indian company compliant with the laws and regulations of the country," the ministry said in a statement. This move comes amid heightened tensions with Pakistan after armed forces conducted precision strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir killing over 100 terrorists. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 굿네이버스 기부반지로 아이들 후원하기 굿네이버스 더 알아보기 Undo Meanwhile, a recent US intel report also claimed that Last year, the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, granted in-principle approval to the AMCA programme. The indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet project is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the IAF's combat capabilities. The estimated development cost of the AMCA project stands at approximately Rs 15,000 crore. The IAF has long advocated for the AMCA programme, given its long-term strategic requirements and the absence of a fifth-generation fighter jet in its current fleet. In contrast, China has already inducted its Chengdu J-20 jets, which it claims to be fifth-generation air superiority fighters with precision strike capabilities. India's confidence in the AMCA initiative received a major boost following the successful development of the LCA Tejas. Developed by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tejas has proven to be a capable platform for air combat and offensive missions, with secondary roles in reconnaissance and anti-ship operations. Meanwhile, the IAF is also in the process of acquiring 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) to enhance its operational readiness. In April 2019, the IAF issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement, estimated at around USD 18 billion. The MRFA deal is considered one of the largest military procurement programmes globally in recent years.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
India seen seeking global bids this year for 114 fighters
By Shivam Patel and Abhijith Ganapavaram BENGALURU, India (Reuters) - India is likely to seek bids this year for 114 multi-role fighters, two sources said, marking a major step in a process to bolster the country's stock of combat aircraft that has gone on for nearly two decades. The project is critical for the Indian Air Force, whose squadrons of mainly Russian and ex-Soviet aircraft have fallen to 31 from an approved strength of 42 at a time when rival China is expanding its air force rapidly. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. On the sidelines of the Aero India aerospace exhibition in Bengaluru, many of the companies who expressed interest in 2018 - when the government last sought planemakers for the project - said they were still in the hunt. "The Chinese are inducting modern fighters and Pakistanis are also getting some Chinese support whereas the Indian Air Force, in terms of combat squadrons, is deficient. There is no doubt about it," said Laxman Behera, a defence expert at government-funded Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. "We'll have to wait and watch." Potential competitors for the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) contract include U.S. defence firms Lockheed Martin and Boeing, Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), France's Dassault Aviation, Sweden's Saab AB, and Germany's Eurofighter. Companies are preparing supply chain blueprints, scouting for local partners, and ensuring cost effectiveness of their offerings, two executives and three sources told Reuters this week at the exhibition. Lockheed Martin is trying to sell its F-21, an India-specific variant of its widely used F-16 fighter, to New Delhi for the MRFA, which will be a 4.5 generation aircraft made in India with a local partner. Separately on Thursday, President Donald Trump said the U.S. would eventually sell the country fifth generation F-35 stealth fighters, although India's foreign secretary said afterward that no formal process had started yet. "We are encouraged by the recent announcement by President Trump to provide the F-35 to India. However, these are government-to-government decisions. We look forward to working closely with both governments on upcoming strategic procurements," a Lockheed Martin spokesperson said. RUSSIAN SUPPLIES Lockheed builds F-16 wings at the company's joint production facility with India's Tata Group in the southern city of Hyderabad and has plans to use the facility for F-21 jets. The IAF does not have U.S. fighter jets in its active fleet, but about 50 aircraft are powered by General Electric engines, with 170 more on order. UAC may have advanced jets on offer, including the stealthy Sukhoi Su-57, a Russian industry source said. The Su-57 is a generation ahead of the Su-35 and the MiG-35 that were previously on offer for the MRFA and has a more powerful engine, avionics, and radar systems. Russia has for decades been the main weapons supplier to India, the world's biggest arms importer. But New Delhi has been diversifying its imports since the war in Ukraine hobbled Moscow's ability to supply spares to India. Russia brought the Su-57 to Aero India and offered to make the aircraft in India in "informal" conversations with Indian defence officials, saying it could by built using local production lines for Su-30s. More than 10 years ago, Russia and India had planned to build the Su-57, then called the T-50, in India, but the effort was abandoned. Sweden's Saab, which also intends to compete for the MRFA project with its JAS-39 Gripen E jet, has a blueprint for an Indian supply chain, said Kent-Åke Molin, head of the Gripen India campaign. Molin said he was speaking to potential partners for the project and that Indian officials had given a "very positive" reception to the aircraft, adding that the jet was more cost-efficient than its peers. The MRFA project is a continuation of an uncompleted acquisition of 126 jets that started in 2007 but was withdrawn in 2015 after Modi's government decided to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation. The Rafale is also a potential competitor in the MRFA project. Dassault did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Reuters
14-02-2025
- Business
- Reuters
India seen seeking global bids this year for 114 fighters
BENGALURU, India, Feb 14 (Reuters) - India is likely to seek bids this year for 114 multi-role fighters, two sources said, marking a major step in a process to bolster the country's stock of combat aircraft that has gone on for nearly two decades. The project is critical for the Indian Air Force, whose squadrons of mainly Russian and ex-Soviet aircraft have fallen to 31 from an approved strength of 42 at a time when rival China is expanding its air force rapidly. On the sidelines of the Aero India aerospace exhibition in Bengaluru, many of the companies who expressed interest in 2018 - when the government last sought planemakers for the project - said they were still in the hunt. "The Chinese are inducting modern fighters and Pakistanis are also getting some Chinese support whereas the Indian Air Force, in terms of combat squadrons, is deficient. There is no doubt about it," said Laxman Behera, a defence expert at government-funded Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. "We'll have to wait and watch." Potential competitors for the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) contract include U.S. defence firms Lockheed Martin (LMT.N), opens new tab and Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab, Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), France's Dassault Aviation ( opens new tab, Sweden's Saab AB ( opens new tab, and Germany's Eurofighter. Companies are preparing supply chain blueprints, scouting for local partners, and ensuring cost effectiveness of their offerings, two executives and three sources told Reuters this week at the exhibition. Lockheed Martin is trying to sell its F-21, an India-specific variant of its widely used F-16 fighter, to New Delhi for the MRFA, which will be a 4.5 generation aircraft made in India with a local partner. Separately on Thursday, President Donald Trump said the U.S. would eventually sell the country fifth generation F-35 stealth fighters, although India's foreign secretary said afterward that no formal process had started yet. "We are encouraged by the recent announcement by President Trump to provide the F-35 to India. However, these are government-to-government decisions. We look forward to working closely with both governments on upcoming strategic procurements," a Lockheed Martin spokesperson said. RUSSIAN SUPPLIES Lockheed builds F-16 wings at the company's joint production facility with India's Tata Group in the southern city of Hyderabad and has plans to use the facility for F-21 jets. The IAF does not have U.S. fighter jets in its active fleet, but about 50 aircraft are powered by General Electric engines, with 170 more on order. UAC may have advanced jets on offer, including the stealthy Sukhoi Su-57, a Russian industry source said. The Su-57 is a generation ahead of the Su-35 and the MiG-35 that were previously on offer for the MRFA and has a more powerful engine, avionics, and radar systems. Russia has for decades been the main weapons supplier to India, the world's biggest arms importer. But New Delhi has been diversifying its imports since the war in Ukraine hobbled Moscow's ability to supply spares to India. Russia brought the Su-57 to Aero India and offered to make the aircraft in India in "informal" conversations with Indian defence officials, saying it could by built using local production lines for Su-30s. More than 10 years ago, Russia and India had planned to build the Su-57, then called the T-50, in India, but the effort was abandoned. Sweden's Saab, which also intends to compete for the MRFA project with its JAS-39 Gripen E jet, has a blueprint for an Indian supply chain, said Kent-Åke Molin, head of the Gripen India campaign. Molin said he was speaking to potential partners for the project and that Indian officials had given a "very positive" reception to the aircraft, adding that the jet was more cost-efficient than its peers. The MRFA project is a continuation of an uncompleted acquisition of 126 jets that started in 2007 but was withdrawn in 2015 after Modi's government decided to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation ( opens new tab. The Rafale is also a potential competitor in the MRFA project. Dassault did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
