IAF to Leverage Previous Testing Data to Expedite MRFA Selection, Skipping Basic Re-evaluation & Focusing on Enhanced Avionics, Radar, and Weaponry

The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to accelerate the selection process for its new Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) by utilizing data from previous evaluations, allowing them to concentrate on the advanced capabilities of the competing aircraft. This strategy aims to significantly shorten the selection timeline for the crucial, long-delayed procurement.

The IAF will draw upon the extensive flight test data collected during the earlier Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition, conducted between 2009 and 2011. Because many of the aircraft currently competing in the MRFA tender are the same models or updated versions of those previously tested, the IAF will forgo re-evaluating basic flight characteristics that are unlikely to have changed significantly. This includes parameters like basic maneuverability, takeoff and landing performance, and fundamental handling qualities.

Instead, the Air Force will focus its evaluation efforts on the significant technological advancements made since the MMRCA trials. These improvements primarily involve avionics (electronic systems used on aircraft), radar systems, and integrated weaponry. An IAF official stated that while the core airframe and aerodynamic designs remain largely the same, the upgrades in these key areas represent substantial changes in operational capability.

This targeted approach avoids redundant testing. The original MMRCA trials involved comprehensive evaluations across India's varied terrains and climate conditions, simulating combat scenarios. That data remains valid for the core aircraft performance.

A major area of advancement is in radar technology. Many contenders now feature Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, which offer improved range, better target tracking capabilities, and increased resistance to electronic jamming. Examples include the refined RBE2 AESA radar on the Dassault Rafale and the AN/APG-79 radar on the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III, which provides extended detection ranges.

Furthermore, aircraft now incorporate modernized cockpit displays, improved sensor fusion (combining data from multiple sensors for a clearer picture), and enhanced capabilities for network-centric warfare (connecting with other military assets for coordinated operations). The Lockheed Martin F-21, specifically designed for India, features an advanced electronic warfare suite. The Saab Gripen E incorporates artificial intelligence to assist pilot decision-making.

The integration of new weaponry is another critical area of focus. The contenders are now capable of carrying advanced munitions, such as long-range air-to-air missiles like the Meteor (used on the Rafale and Gripen), as well as precision-guided bombs and anti-radiation missiles. These enhance both air superiority and strike capabilities. Some aircraft, like the Eurofighter Typhoon, have also implemented measures to reduce their radar cross-section (RCS), making them harder to detect, although they do not achieve the full stealth capabilities of fifth-generation fighters like the F-35.

The IAF's evaluation will specifically assess how these advancements integrate with India's existing and developing military infrastructure. This includes compatibility with indigenous Indian systems like the Astra missile and the BrahMos cruise missile, as well as the ability to operate effectively within India's network-centric warfare strategy.

By concentrating on these new capabilities, the IAF aims to reduce the trial timeline considerably. While the MMRCA process took approximately three years, the IAF anticipates completing the MRFA technical evaluations in potentially 12 to 18 months.

An IAF official emphasized that this streamlined approach does not compromise the rigor of the evaluation. The focus is on ensuring the selected aircraft is fully capable of meeting modern threats and integrating seamlessly with India's evolving military ecosystem.

The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 is Indian MoD's primary guideline for defence procurement and allows such exemptions to be taken to speed up the whole process.

 

[sanket]

Nice, The Fighter is being purchased with a 15-year-old unchanged structural design. This means only what sensors and tech features have been added since 15 years ago will be tested.

While Dassault will have a GaN-based AESA radar on the F5 version, which is slated to go into production by 2030, the fighter jet from MRFA is also likely to go into production by 2030. Overall, I fear Bharat may miss GaN-based AESA radar on the selected/winner from the MRFA contenders, while the Su-57 may have an advantage with the drone loyal wingman S-70 Okhotnik.

What about other contenders...? Neither loyal wingman, nor GaN-based AESA radar, nor hypersonic missile.

While selecting the fighter jet under MRFA, it should have contemporary tech features, as well as an eye on the future. First, the design should be the latest. Second, it should have a GaN-based AESA radar.

This should be the basic criteria for the MRFA tender, and not an old, vintage design with cosmetic surgery make-up fighter jet.

 

[Sunny]

As the IAF already has most of the details of the fighters on offer we should go with gov to gov deal and not waste time on tender for the fighter which meets requirement or the best deal offered.

 

[sanket]

As the IAF already has most of the details of the fighters on offer we should go with gov to gov deal and not waste time on tender for the fighter which meets requirement or the best deal offered.

There are two new fighter jet entrants, the F-15EX and Su-57. I don't know about the F-35, or if it will take part or not. But if these two fighter jets enter the MRFA, then they have to go for evaluation from the beginning.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

IAF is operating 36 Rafael, and the Navy is also purchasing 26... so it's an ideal situation to go for Rafael in MMRCA and sign the deal as soon as possible and make it in India... .MRO facility is already in India, and logistic cost will also reduce... .If you want another option, then SU-57 is better... apart from these two, I really doubt any fighter has any chance, but the current govt is too much under US pressure, and the way Modi is appeasing Trump, then anything can be possible...

 

[Sunny]

There are two new fighter jet entrants, the F-15EX and Su-57. I don't know about the F-35, or if it will take part or not. But if these two fighter jets enter the MRFA, then they have to go for evaluation from the beginning.

Agreed, there are two new jets, but technical parameters should already be shared with us, and only the in-flight performance needs to be tested. But do we really need to shortlist those two jets? Maybe the SU-57, if they offer critical technology which helps the AMCA, but that seems unlikely, even though the Russians are offering local production.

 

[Mc Addy]

By more Rafaels, 2 squadrons for Navy can be included as the Marine Version is equipped with great weapons and rest can go to airforce, buy Gripens too off shelf as LCA has much in common and they are willing for TOT minus engines which USA controls, so for gods love ,get that tech or do something to get it somhow so all is then solved. Somone got to solve this jet engine problem somhow now . Talk to Trumph ,pay him for TOT ,whatever.

 

[Akilesh]

While Dassault will have a GaN-based AESA radar on the F5 version, which is slated to go into production by 2030, the fighter jet from MRFA is also likely to go into production by 2030. Overall, I fear Bharat may miss GaN-based AESA radar on the selected/winner from the MRFA contenders, while the Su-57 may have an advantage with the drone loyal wingman S-70 Okhotnik.

No, even the 4th gen Rafale F100 will also come with the same old engine and radar that the IAF wanted to replace, so it is worthless.

 

[Akshat]

There are two new fighter jet entrants, the F-15EX and Su-57. I don't know about the F-35, or if it will take part or not. But if these two fighter jets enter the MRFA, then they have to go for evaluation from the beginning.

Su-57 hasn't been offered in MRFA.

 

[Surendra Barsode]

Those who lose out of the last 2 contenders will go to the Court and delay the process. So IAF should not go for tender and instead, talk GoG with 2-3 countries, do testing and then finalize. Prior CVC approvals, if so required, should be obtained; even SC should be all sent all the background papers for pointing out any legal issues.

This is the project of national importance and every institution should come together in an out of box manner to proceed quickly.

 

[Sandeep]

This program is never going to progress at all. India isn’t going to spend about $25 billion on this program at all.

This year Tejas MK2 will roll out and after manufacturing 4-5 jets they can run all of the tests and trials within 3-5 years and then production can start around 2030. If they allow several of the private sector companies to manufacture the entire jets within their existing or newly built facilities and manufacture it along with HAL then they can boost the number of jets very quickly.

As for the Tejas MK1A jet orders will be delivered this year but they need to utilise every manufacturing line and capacity as much as possible. We should also allow the private sector to manufacture the jets to cut down on the delays and increase our numbers.

 

[paresh1411]

Since there's already a established environment for Dassault Rafael fighters including 26 for IN, best option is to go with new version being developed by them i.e. F 5 version; That said Geopolitical situation is not entirely in Favour of India IAF where we could simply go with SU 57 and attract sanctions , face GE engine supply issues which is already worsening impacting Tejas and AMCA future production; so if we have a choice and I do understand we can't depend on US but go for limited F35 (45)and to be able to have better capabilities against Chinese go for limited F15EX (45)with Amber racks , we will soon retire Mig29/M2k/ Jaguar in coming years; F35 & F15EX can work in tandem to limit any chinese adventure, Tejas all versions and Rafael with SU 39 MKI upgrade is more than sufficient for Napakis to keep shut

 

[badri narayana]

How about an F-15 evaluation? Now, with 5th-gen aircraft allowed, what about an Su-57 evaluation? God only knows how these people make decisions. Cut this bullshit.

To avoid any controversies later, declare a national emergency due to the IAF fighter shortfall. Call an all-party meeting and brief all parties. Take Parliament into confidence, and hold a closed-door debate/decision-making session quickly. Directly engage with all contending governments and seek offers.

We all know Rafale is the top choice. In my view, only Gripen is the next choice, as it's a new design. Though Eurofighter is there, we can't rely on it, as too many countries are involved. We cannot commit to the F-18/F-15, as they are old, and we have aircraft similar to the F-15 (Sukhoi-30MKI). We can go with the F-21/F-16 with Lockheed Martin, only for technology collaboration with AMCA, but I don’t think the F-16 serves us.

So, Rafale and Gripen are our best options, as sometimes Dassault has the habit of backtracking from commitments, not guaranteeing quality if an Indian company makes them, and not allowing at least partial access to the source code so that we can integrate our weapons. Gripen would allow us to do that, so we have to pit one against another so we can get the best deal.

Stop stupid decisions like allowing the Su-57 into this competition, and directly engage with America and Russia for a potential purchase if they help us in AMCA, and we know clearly who would be the winner here!

 

[abhinav srivastava]

This program is never going to progress at all. India isn’t going to spend about $25 billion on this program at all.

This year Tejas MK2 will roll out and after manufacturing 4-5 jets they can run all of the tests and trials within 3-5 years and then production can start around 2030. If they allow several of the private sector companies to manufacture the entire jets within their existing or newly built facilities and manufacture it along with HAL then they can boost the number of jets very quickly.

As for the Tejas MK1A jet orders will be delivered this year but they need to utilise every manufacturing line and capacity as much as possible. We should also allow the private sector to manufacture the jets to cut down on the delays and increase our numbers.

We are too much dependent on USA for engines.

 

[Sandeep]

We are too much dependent on USA for engines.

For Tejas MK1A and MK2 we have no choice or alternative but to use the USA F404 and F414 engines. The air force didn’t want to use any other engine and claimed it was the cheapest offer.

For the AMCA we have the opportunity to develop an indigenous engine with Safran or RR. We will get 100% of the technology, manufacture it all in India and own the IPR for the advanced technology. This will be the main benefit even if it’s slightly more expensive to start with.