As Local Production of Foreign Jets Under MRFA Proves 30% More Expensive, Calls Grow to Back Indigenous Tejas and AMCA

A recent industry analysis indicates that manufacturing foreign fighter jets in India under the proposed Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal could be nearly 30% more costly than purchasing them directly from the manufacturer.

This significant price difference is fuelling a debate among defence experts about the financial wisdom of the plan, prompting calls for the government to prioritise India's rapidly advancing indigenous aircraft programs.

The MRFA initiative, a multi-billion dollar project intended to equip the Indian Air Force with 114 new fighters, has always included a major "Make in India" component.

However, the higher costs associated with setting up new production lines, transferring technology, and training a workforce for foreign aircraft are now under intense scrutiny.

Experts suggest that while local production can boost domestic manufacturing, the premium price may divert crucial funds from other strategic defence priorities.

The Ministry of Defence has yet to make a final decision on the path forward for the tender, which has global contenders like Dassault's Rafale, Boeing's F-15EX, and Saab's Gripen.

This debate comes at a time when India's domestic aerospace sector is demonstrating significant progress. The country is actively developing a robust pipeline of homegrown fighter jets.

This includes the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Tejas Mk1A, for which an order of 83 jets is already being executed, and its more advanced successor, the Tejas Mk2.

Furthermore, ambitious projects like the fifth-generation stealth Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the naval Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), and the HJT-36 Sitara trainer aircraft signify a maturing industrial capability.

Proponents of this view argue that India has moved beyond needing foreign production lines simply for the experience.

As an alternative, some analysts propose a dual approach to modernise the air force fleet. They recommend that instead of costly local manufacturing of foreign jets, India could make a direct, off-the-shelf purchase of a smaller number of aircraft, such as an additional 60 Rafale jets, to meet immediate operational gaps.

The substantial savings from this strategy, they argue, could then be reinvested to accelerate the development and large-scale production of the Tejas Mk2 and the strategically vital AMCA project, securing long-term self-reliance and technological leadership in aviation.

This would align with the nation's ultimate goal of building a world-class defence industrial base.

 

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[Mc Addy]

If we can meet the schedule,forget the cost , get to work.

 

[Prashantdwivedi87]

dono tarf se fayda hai 30 percent extra Paisa Diya jayega to technology ayegi new job create hogi.
Mrfa me time lag sakta hai paisa jyda pay Krna hoga
Dekho kis hisab se deal krte hai

 

[raj0072000in]

Pls. have a time bounded plan to complete 42 squadron considering in mind future retirement of jaguar, mirage & mig 29. Without local Engine, even make india fighter has not much meaning.

 

[Leored]

Don't calculate cost if you are not economist. Money finance work differently. Expensive the product batter will be GDP so is profit technology and growth. You can earn 1rupee on pen sale but lakhs on car so is fighters.

 

[Senapati]

Indigenious program like Tejas and AMCA can continiue on its own speed.
Need of the hour is urgen requirement of 5th generation Su57 with 177S high performance stealth engine under make in India.
It has many benefits like local spare part TOT generation of employ.ent .

 

[Vasugali]

Indigenious program like Tejas and AMCA can continiue on its own speed.
Need of the hour is urgen requirement of 5th generation Su57 with 177S high performance stealth engine under make in India.
It has many benefits like local spare part TOT generation of employ.ent .

Yes. Tejas MK2 , AMCA , Astra MK3, 120 kn engine will take their own time. In the meantime, it is necessary to safeguard the interests of the country . For this SU 57E , R37 M and Brahmos 2 hypersonic missiles and cheaper substitute like KH 69 Subsonic but stealthy missiles would be required even at the risk of CAATSA sanctions as Trump has openly come out with his opinion. No need to worry if US stops GE 404/413 engines. India can use 177S engine in its place

 

[Sacrafago90]

Relying on PSU for decades to fulfill fighter squadrons with infinite excuses & delays,putting National Security & operational readiness at jeopardy is absolute lunacy.
Time to execute the MRFA even if it costs more,if required buy them off the shelf in 2 phases,then also it is required.
We all know HAL & ADA adherence to timelines,so skipping the bullshit to fill with total indigenous Fighters waiting for another 2 decades should be kept aside.

Tejas MK1A all fighters will be delivered only by 2034-35(180 units) & Tejas MK2 will enter production by 2032-33.
By the time 120-140 units will be delivered by 2037-38 they will be already obsolete.
Ideal would be buying another 36 Rafale F4 off the shelf along with 18-24 used F3 variants from French Airforce as stopgap till the 36 units arrives.
Rest collaboration with KAI for 80-90 KF21 with TOT & local production,with options to get 5th generation variant in future,with RR engines which they they are vying for Export market.
Along with it Su30MKI upgrade along with 72-75 Su57E locally produced.