The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a critical challenge with its fighter squadron strength dwindling to 31, significantly below the sanctioned number of 42.
To address this gap, India is pursuing the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program to acquire 114 new jets.
However, with the total cost estimated at a staggering ₹2,00,000 crore ($24.5 billion), a serious debate has emerged within India's defence circles about the country's procurement strategy and the high price of leading foreign contenders like the Dassault Rafale.
A central point of discussion is whether a more focused and timely development of the indigenous Tejas Mk2 fighter could have offered a more practical and economically sound solution.
Experts suggest that had the Tejas Mk2 program avoided multiple delays and redesigns, it could have provided the IAF with a larger fleet of capable aircraft for the same budget, bolstering national security and the domestic defence industry simultaneously.
The Escalating Cost of Foreign Acquisitions
The MRFA initiative, which evolved from the original Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender of 2007, has seen its costs skyrocket. The initial plan was to buy 126 jets for approximately ₹42,000 crore ($10.4 billion). Today, the estimated cost for 114 aircraft is nearly $24.5 billion.The Rafale, a proven 4.5-generation fighter, is a top contender, but its high price is a major concern. If manufactured in India under the "Make in India" policy, each Rafale is projected to cost over $150 million.
This comprehensive price includes not just the aircraft but also the transfer of technology, weaponry, crew training, and long-term maintenance, placing a substantial financial burden on the nation.
In sharp contrast, the domestically developed Tejas Mk2, a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has an estimated unit cost of $70-80 million.
This significant price difference means India could theoretically purchase two Tejas Mk2 aircraft for the price of a single Rafale. This cost-effectiveness is the foundation of the argument that the Tejas Mk2 could have been a superior alternative for rebuilding the IAF's fleet.
For the ₹2,00,000 crore allocated for 114 foreign jets (forming about six squadrons), India could have procured approximately 250 Tejas Mk2s, which would create 12 to 13 squadrons.
Such a move would not only meet the IAF's sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons but also provide a surplus to manage future challenges.
A Story of Delays and Evolving Ambitions
The Tejas Mk2 was initially planned as a straightforward upgrade to the existing Tejas Mk1 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).However, the program's timeline has been significantly extended due to shifting requirements from the IAF and several major redesigns. These changes transformed the aircraft from a simple update into a much larger, 17.5-ton medium-weight fighter.
While this evolution has made the Mk2 more powerful—equipped with the advanced American GE F414 engine, a modern AESA radar, and a higher weapon payload—it has pushed its first flight to around 2027, with squadron service unlikely before the early 2030s.
Critics argue that with better foresight and stable requirements in the early 2000s, a mature Tejas Mk2 could already be in service today.
The government's Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) officially sanctioned the Tejas Mk2 project in September 2022, but many believe this crucial step could have been taken much earlier, potentially saving billions and accelerating the IAF's modernization.
The Strategic Imperative for Self-Reliance
Opting for the Tejas Mk2 in greater numbers offers strategic advantages that go beyond simple cost and quantity.Full ownership of an indigenous platform gives India complete control over its maintenance, upgrades, and weapon integration without relying on foreign approval.
This allows for the seamless addition of advanced Indian-made weapons like the Astra air-to-air missiles and the BrahMos-NG cruise missile, enhancing operational independence.
Furthermore, investing the massive MRFA budget into a domestic program would provide a major boost to India's goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The funds would circulate within the national economy, supporting the defence-industrial base, creating skilled jobs, and fostering innovation.
This would strengthen the ecosystem for more ambitious future projects, such as the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), for which the Tejas Mk2 can serve as a crucial technological stepping stone.
While the Rafale offers the immediate advantage of a battle-proven platform, the debate highlights the long-term strategic and economic benefits of prioritizing and efficiently managing indigenous defence programs.
