The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly planning to recommend a significant change to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) regarding the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender.
This proposed change involves streamlining the Request for Proposal (RFP) by limiting it to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that already comply with the IAF's stringent operational and technical requirements.
This move is aimed at accelerating the acquisition of 110 advanced fighter jets, a crucial program designed to bolster the IAF's dwindling combat fleet. The MRFA tender, launched as a successor to the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program, seeks to procure 110 multi-role fighters under the Buy Global – Make in India initiative. The MMRCA program, initially intended to acquire 126 fighter jets, was ultimately scaled back and resulted in the purchase of 36 Dassault Rafale jets.
The IAF's decision to prioritize pre-qualified OEMs is driven by the need to avoid potential delays associated with evaluating platforms that may not meet the required operational and technical standards.
The IAF's authorized strength of 42 combat squadrons has been steadily declining and currently stands at approximately 31 squadrons. This decline is further compounded by the phasing out of older aircraft like the MiG-21.
While indigenous platforms such as the Tejas Mk1A and the forthcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are part of the IAF's modernization plans, they cannot fully address the immediate need to maintain operational readiness. The MRFA tender is therefore considered vital to ensuring that the IAF retains a credible deterrent capability against potential adversaries.
This strategic shift in the MRFA tender reflects the IAF's commitment to modernizing its fleet efficiently and effectively in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges.
