Latest news with #MultiRoleFighterAircraft
News18
2 days 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
3 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.
India.com
13-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
BIG shock for France as India may reduce number of Rafale fighter jets due to..., IAF likely to opt for THESE warplanes from...
(File) In a major blow to French aerospace manufacture Dassault Aviation, India is reportedly mulling to reduce the number of Rafale fighter jets in the Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, and instead opt for a 5th-generation fighter jet– either the Sukhoi Su-57, or the F-35A– from Russia or the United States, respectively. Why India doesn't want Rafales anymore? According to reports, after the recent India-Pakistan conflict during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Defense Ministry has reconsidered its position on acquiring more Rafale fighter jets from France, and is likely to make sweeping changes in the tender process for the 114 Rafale fighter planes, and instead of issuing tenders, may opt to sign government to government level agreements for the purchase. Reports suggest that the Indian government may halve the number of Rafale F4 fighter jets in the original tender from 114 to about 60, and purchase an equal number of 5th-generation stealth fighter jets from either Russia or the United States. The move is aimed to strengthen the combat capability of the Indian Air Force, and fill the need for a next-gen fighter fleet till India's homegrown AMCA becomes ready for operational use. How India's decisions impacts Dassault Aviation? The decision to cut the Rafale purchase in half is a major blow to Dassault Aviation as the French defence and aerospace manufacturer had demanded an order of at least 100 units to set up a full-scale production line in India. However, now the tables have turned as the Defense Ministry has asked the French aerospace giant that the partial assembly of Rafale F4 jets must be done in India to boost the 'Make in India' initiative. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has been tasked with manufacturing the fuselage (airframe body) of Rafale, which confirms that the aircraft will be partially assembled in India. Additionally, India could also ask Dassault to reduce the per unit cost as a mandatory condition for the purchase. Which 5th-gen stealth fighter will India buy? Its no secret that India is rapidly seeking to acquire a 5th-generation stealth fighter jet, especially since Pakistan has already announced that it's air force will receive a fleet of 5th-gen J-35 fighters from China. While Pakistan is restricted to most of its arms imports from China, India has two options with regards the purchase of a next-gen fighter aircraft– the Sukhoi Su-57E from Russia, and the F-35A or F-35 Lightning II from the United States. However, both options carry their own unique political and technical baggage. While the F-35 comes with several crippling conditions and end-usage restrictions, serious questions have been raised on the actual efficacy and technology used in the Russian Su-57 and the manufacturing capacity of Russia, especially amid the war with Ukraine.
