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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly preparing to launch a significant procurement process for 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) to enhance its combat fleet, a program that has been anticipated for some time.
Alongside this major long-term initiative, the IAF is also considering a more immediate, smaller-scale purchase of a specific aircraft type to rapidly address pressing operational requirements and fill gaps in its current capabilities.
This push for new aircraft comes as the IAF confronts a considerable deficit in its fighter strength. The force currently operates with 31 squadrons, falling short of the 42 squadrons officially authorized as necessary for its defence mandate.
This gap is expected to widen further as several squadrons operating older aircraft, such as the Jaguar, Mirage 2000, and MiG-29, are scheduled for retirement by 2037.
Compounding the situation are reported delays in the delivery schedules for the domestically produced Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark-1A. These delays are understood to stem partly from supply chain difficulties affecting engine components sourced from the United States.
The need for rapid modernization is underscored by the evolving security landscape in the region, including the expansion of China's air power and military support provided by China to Pakistan.
Maintaining a credible strategic deterrent, particularly for a potential two-front engagement scenario, is a key priority for the IAF.
The upcoming 114 MRFA procurement effort is effectively a renewal of the earlier Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) process, which aimed to acquire 126 jets but was eventually cancelled in 2015. That process concluded with India acquiring 36 Rafale aircraft directly from the French government.
The new tender, expected soon, is anticipated to attract proposals from leading global aerospace manufacturers. Likely contenders include Dassault's Rafale (France), Saab's Gripen (Sweden), the Eurofighter Typhoon (European consortium), Lockheed Martin's F-21 (USA), Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-15EX (USA), and potentially Russia's MiG-35, Su-35, and Su-57 fighters.
In parallel, to address more immediate needs, the IAF is reportedly evaluating the acquisition of an additional 40 Rafale fighters. This potential purchase would likely be pursued through a direct government-to-government agreement with France, possibly termed an "MRFA-plus agreement." This option is considered strategically advantageous as it builds upon the existing fleet of 36 Rafales inducted between 2020 and 2023.
Leveraging the current infrastructure for maintenance, pilot training, and logistics associated with the Rafale could offer significant cost and operational efficiencies. The aircraft's proven 4.5-generation capabilities and its successful integration with Indian weapon systems further support this consideration.
The IAF's approach indicates a strategy aimed at both long-term fleet replacement through the large MRFA tender and a potential near-term capability boost by expanding its existing Rafale fleet to manage current operational demands and squadron shortfalls.
As of early 2025, both the large tender and the potential additional Rafale acquisition remain under active consideration and planning stages.
