Can Rebranded F-21 Compete with Other Advanced Contenders for India's MRFA Fighter Jet Tender?

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to procure 114 new multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) to modernize its fleet and address growing regional security challenges. While the United States is eager to secure this lucrative contract with its F-21 fighter jet, a rebranded and upgraded version of the F-16, questions linger about whether this aging platform can truly compete with more modern rivals.

Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-21, is highlighting the aircraft's affordability and customization options as key selling points. They emphasize that the F-21, while based on the decades-old F-16 design, features significant enhancements such as increased weapons capacity, extended range, advanced avionics, and compatibility with both probe/drogue and boom aerial refueling.

Furthermore, Lockheed Martin promises significant technology transfer and co-production opportunities under India's "Make in India" initiative, potentially boosting India's domestic aerospace industry.

However, the F-21 faces stiff competition from other contenders, including the French Rafale, Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet, the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Russian MiG-35, and Sweden's Saab Gripen. These aircraft generally boast more modern designs and capabilities, such as advanced stealth features, electronic warfare suites, and sensor fusion technologies, which are critical in today's complex combat environments.

The IAF's recent experience with the Rafale, lauded for its performance and advanced capabilities, has raised the bar for any new fighter jet entering the competition. Some defence analysts argue that India should prioritize acquiring more Rafales or similar advanced aircraft rather than settling for a potentially less capable platform like the F-21.

Furthermore, India's growing emphasis on indigenous defence production adds another layer of complexity to the decision. The domestically developed Tejas Mk-1A and the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are seen as crucial to India's long-term air power aspirations.

While the F-21's lower cost and potential for customization are attractive, the IAF must carefully weigh these factors against the need for cutting-edge capabilities to maintain a technological edge in the region. Whether the rebranded F-16 can ultimately prevail in this competitive tender remains to be seen.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

USA nurtures and supports Khalistani and Kuki separatists in India. Don't buy any critical military form USA. We are stuck with GE engines due to our short sightedness and poor planning.

 

[R. Singh]

We should seek F-36 tech from Lockheed Martin and also make internal weapon bat variant of Tejas-II ! MRFA deal is for Rafale-F4 !

 

[Ayyadurai Namasivayam]

We should not accept anything other than f35. F35 can be much useful as China is ramping up j20 production. And pak may get the j 31 in 2030. We will left blank in 5th gen fighter as amca will be ready only 2035. Instead of concentrate on time consuming mrfa we can go for 60 to 75 and 60 rafale purchase directly from USA and France. This will give boost to iaf as our fighter squadron strength is lowest in 20 years. There is no big gain in local manufacturing of mrfa instead we can concentrate and ramp up tejas mk2 and mk1a production

 

[Rinku Pandey]

USA nurtures and supports Khalistani and Kuki separatists in India. Don't buy any critical military form USA. We are stuck with GE engines due to our short sightedness and poor planning.

USA is strategic partner of India. With Doolandji coming to power next year, US won't support khalistani or Meitis. GE engines are best in class that's why Modiji went with it. It is better to have good diplomatic relationship with every country except China, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

 

[Sudha]

We should not accept anything other than f35. F35 can be much useful as China is ramping up j20 production. And pak may get the j 31 in 2030. We will left blank in 5th gen fighter as amca will be ready only 2035. Instead of concentrate on time consuming mrfa we can go for 60 to 75 and 60 rafale purchase directly from USA and France. This will give boost to iaf as our fighter squadron strength is lowest in 20 years. There is no big gain in local manufacturing of mrfa instead we can concentrate and ramp up tejas mk2 and mk1a production

Indians never learn their lessons taught by the western & isIamic nations & will be bound to repeat the same mistakes again & again.

 

[Shantanu Dey]

The United States of America is the most unreliable partner and cannot be relied upon; history speaks volumes in this regard. Even if India goes with the purchase of these outdated jets, they will come with many terms and conditions, when to use, when it cannot be used, etc. India should be careful and avoid buying these outdated jets.

 

[Gratgy]

Buying US equipment exposes India to sanctions by US or one of its partners such as Canada. US will always support Canada which supports those trying to break India.

 

[Vijigishu ( विजिग्शु )]

USA is strategic partner of India. With Doolandji coming to power next year, US won't support khalistani or Meitis. GE engines are best in class that's why Modiji went with it. It is better to have good diplomatic relationship with every country except China, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

We need good relations with US but not such close dependency. Their jets come with loads of strings attached.

 

[Vijigishu ( विजिग्शु )]

After Pannun and Kuki militancy, India should tell US that F21 is potent jet, worthy of MRFA but we can't buy that since US is blatantly stabbing us in the back. That's not how "ally" behaves.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

USA is strategic partner of India. With Doolandji coming to power next year, US won't support khalistani or Meitis. GE engines are best in class that's why Modiji went with it. It is better to have good diplomatic relationship with every country except China, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Cant have our defense and foreign policy on wishful thinking.

 

[Sammy]

After Pannun and Kuki militancy, India should tell US that F21 is potent jet, worthy of MRFA but we can't buy that since US is blatantly stabbing us in the back. That's not how "ally" behaves.

Manipur is a failure of Indian administration. It's India who needs to counter a J31 and not US.

 

[kurtwallis wallis]

After Pannun and Kuki militancy, India should tell US that F21 is potent jet, worthy of MRFA but we can't buy that since US is blatantly stabbing us in the back. That's not how "ally" behaves.

Kuki's are originally Jews [from the 10 lost tribes of Israel who migrated to Kashmir firstly; and from there onto NE States-Myanmar]; who converted to Christianity only recently.. Meiteis are Hindus... Ancient tribal head hunters rivalry have grown into all out wars now...

 

[Ajath Shri]

IAF wouldn't be keen to accept F21 unless the decision was political.
F21 can come with all state of art technologies. But I doubt whether IAF will choose a single engine jet.
RAFALE will be the likely winner as they are already with IAF and Navy will shortly place orders for another 2 dozens. Maybe IAF can go for the upgraded version.

 

[Sandeep]

India is definitely not going to buy any jets in the MRFA competition as it’s too expensive and they won’t get any critical technology transferred to us or get to manufacture a large amount of it and with indigenous content. India needs to focus on our indigenous jet program and dedicate those funds and resources on them rather than foreign jets.

First we need to sort out the problems in manufacturing the Tejas MK1A jets. They should continue to manufacture everything that they can possibly can and as the F404 engines arrive we can install them and assemble the jet with all of the parts ready. Also we should only buy the 83 jets and not the extra 97 jets placed as we need more Tejas MK2 jets which is more modern, has better technology, carry more weapons and better combat capabilities and skills.

Second we need to quickly finish developing the Tejas MK2 and sort out any problems that they currently have. We need to get it flying within the next two years ideally. Once HAL certifies the technology and capabilities then they should issue a license to 1-3 private sector companies to take over and manufacture the jet entirely. We need to manufacture more than just 120 as we need at least 200 jets or more.

Third we also need to finish developing the AMCA and this jet needs to be a priority so we should complete it as soon as possible. Once it’s certified then they can manufacture it under the private sector with 1-3 companies with several production line operational with each company so that we can quickly ramp up our squadron numbers. We will need more than 300 at the very least.

At the same time while our indigenous jets start getting produced we need to upgrade our existing jets to give us at least 5-10 years of time before we can start to replace our current jets. We desperately need to start the Super Sukhoi program, upgrade the MIG 29, Mirage 2000 and jaguar jets to extend its service life and not upgrade any of the technology as it will be too expensive.

 

[A.K.Koul]

India I think should go for latest technology with cost effective solution for purchase of 114 new fighter jets to meet it's operational requirements. All available offers may be thoroughly analysed and best decision be taken.

 

[Shine N s]

Why would India buy these outdated jets ? It will be of no use it will be at Sukhoi 30 level . India needs to look at Rafale or Euro fighters . If Russia can produce SU 57 on time it will be a great choice considering it's price and Russia produced it as a stealth killer

 

[Chandrasekhar Panda]

Mark my words, MRFA is not going to happen ever. India should continue with Tejas.

 

[Chandrasekhar Panda]

USA is no longer behaving like a straightegic partner but like an adversary. It's colliding with Canada to destabilize India. Whatever maybe the consequences India should cancel the aero engine deal with US and opt for Safran. End of US hegemony is near and world will move to multipolar.

 

[RG]

Till US is supporting terrorist Pannum against India, any more purchases of US hardware would be riskier bet for Indian Planners. US seems to be picking fight with everyone Russia, China, India, EU I guess and Middle east for long. What is US trying to achieve through this means.

 

[Ajath Shri]

We should not accept anything other than f35. F35 can be much useful as China is ramping up j20 production. And pak may get the j 31 in 2030. We will left blank in 5th gen fighter as amca will be ready only 2035. Instead of concentrate on time consuming mrfa we can go for 60 to 75 and 60 rafale purchase directly from USA and France. This will give boost to iaf as our fighter squadron strength is lowest in 20 years. There is no big gain in local manufacturing of mrfa instead we can concentrate and ramp up tejas mk2 and mk1a production

First of all you should know IAF did not ask for F35 and US has not offered F35.
Whichever jet gets selected in MRFA , it's that company's responsibility to set up local manufacturing in India. So there is no question of India spending any extra amount on setting up manufacturing plant.
As far as ramping up the production of Tejas variant is
concerned , suggest you take
up this initiative personally
coordinate with the HAL Chief , GE CEO ,US President or
anybody whom you
think are the right people to talk to.
You are a person with high IQ level and full of patriotism.
And finally before you post your shopping list have some idea about funds required to buy both the jets . Else you can sponsor for the funds.
Ok Dude ?