India's ambitious Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program seeks to bolster the Indian Air Force (IAF) with cutting-edge multirole fighters. While the program has a potential budget of $25 billion, acquiring the highly sought-after F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter would present significant financial constraints.
Current estimates place the unit cost of an F-35A at approximately $80 million. However, this figure only represents the initial purchase price. Factoring in essential elements such as pilot training, spare parts, sophisticated mission systems, and ongoing logistical support, the overall cost per aircraft escalates significantly. For international buyers, the total program cost, including lifecycle support and necessary infrastructure, is estimated to be around $200 million per jet.
Furthermore, establishing the infrastructure required to support the F-35A presents a substantial financial hurdle for new operators like India. Constructing specialized maintenance facilities equipped for stealth technology, establishing secure data links, and ensuring seamless software integration could add another $5 to $7 billion to the total program cost.
If India were to dedicate its entire $25 billion MRFA budget to the F-35A program, it could potentially acquire up to 95 aircraft. This figure accounts for a $6 billion investment in essential infrastructure and training, leaving $19 billion for aircraft procurement at an estimated cost of $200 million per jet.
It's important to note that the MRFA competition includes other capable contenders such as the Dassault Rafale, Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Saab Gripen E.
While these aircraft may lack the advanced stealth capabilities and sensor fusion of the F-35A, they come with a lower per-unit cost. Choosing one of these alternatives could potentially allow India to acquire a larger fleet of 120 to 140 aircraft, depending on the specific configuration and lifecycle costs.
The F-35A undoubtedly offers unparalleled stealth technology, advanced sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities. However, its high operational costs and reliance on secure data-sharing infrastructure could present challenges for any new operator.
Integrating the F-35A into the IAF's existing fleet, which is primarily composed of Russian-origin platforms and Rafales, would also require considerable effort to ensure interoperability and logistical compatibility.
