If Rafale Wins MRFA Tender, IAF May Opt for 90 Jets to Fulfill Original MMRCA Goal of 126

The Indian Air Force (IAF) may be looking to acquire 90 additional Rafale fighter jets if Dassault Aviation’s entry emerges victorious in the ongoing Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) competition.

This revelation comes from a senior IAF official, who indicated that such a move would effectively fulfill the original intent of the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program, which sought 126 aircraft to address a critical capability gap.

The IAF currently operates 36 Rafale jets, acquired through a government-to-government deal with France in 2016. These aircraft form two squadrons within the IAF. Adding 90 more would bring the total to 126, a figure that has been a long-standing objective since the Kargil War.

The MMRCA program, initiated to bridge the gap between existing fourth-generation fighters and future fifth-generation aircraft, was ultimately scrapped after protracted negotiations. The MRFA tender represents a renewed effort to acquire a modern multi-role fighter for the IAF.

While the MRFA tender has attracted interest from global manufacturers like Boeing (F-15EX and F/A-18 Super Hornet), Lockheed Martin (F-21), Saab (Gripen E), and Eurofighter (Typhoon), the Rafale’s existing presence in the IAF gives it a distinct advantage. Familiarity with the platform, coupled with established logistical and training frameworks, could streamline the procurement and operationalization of additional Rafales.

Furthermore, Dassault Aviation already has a production line dedicated to Indian-spec Rafales, which could be leveraged for a follow-on order. This could potentially reduce costs and lead times compared to establishing new manufacturing facilities for a different aircraft type.

However, the final decision will depend on various factors, including cost, technology transfer, and indigenous production opportunities. The IAF will carefully evaluate all bids before making a selection.

 

[kunites]

Finally IAF is talking sense to procure 90 Rafales.. if combined with 36 already in service and 26 of navy, the total Rafale fleet will be 150+ which is very impressive and will add required punch to IAF until our indigenous MK2 and AMCA mature..but will GOI agree to go with this approach or continue with the MRFA circus is the big question

 

[Anant]

Is $267 million Rafale better than $54 million Su 57?

And who exactly is selling a Su-57 at 54 million USD? The last batch of Su-30MKIs cost us just north if 100 million USD each, and adjusted to inflation, that number would be closer to 130 million today. That figure also included no spares or ground infrastructure or weapons, while the Rafale purchase included all those things too.

Add everything up to bring it to a common platform, and you'll see all these jets are within a few million dollars of each other.

 

[Anant]

Trump is business man and he will push for American fighter jets. America can offer F35 under Trump

You do realise that we weren't offered F-35s during Trump's first term, and that was when our relations were better than they are today, right? There is nothing to indicate we'd be offered F-35s now.