India Can Only Acquire Up To 95 F-35A Stealth Jets with $25 Billion MRFA Budget, as Min $6 Billion Extra Needed for Infrastructure and Training

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.

 

[PKPRS]

Maybe one trillion or even a gazillion in dreams. Even NATO members don't get the F-35 to start with. They should have bought some 4th-gen jets first and have an ecosystem to support US jets. If we buy either the F-16 or F-15 or F/A-18 first, then there is a very remote possibility, but with Russian stealth-detecting radars in possession, even that is impossible unless we agree to US personnel stationed at S-400 installation sites and constantly checking if the F-35 is outside its range. I wonder if we will agree to these terms.

 

[sanket]

First, has the US even offered the F-35? Second, has the IAF shown any interest in the F-35? Under MRFA, a 4.5-gen fighter jet is going to be purchased under Make in India with ToT and an ecosystem, while the US will not start an assembly line with an ecosystem plus ToT. Bharat will not benefit just by importing in flyaway condition. The main purpose of MRFA is starting an assembly line with an ecosystem, which the US will not allow with the F-35. Again, the IAF would have to depend on the US for components. After Aero India next month, things will be clear whether even a few squadrons of 5th-gen fighter jets have any chance...? And if yes, which one: Su-57 or F-35...?

 

[tipoo2]

The F35 and F22 post incredible kill ratios in war game exercises against fourth gen jets. At least one source said 20:1 for the F35 and an astounding 108:1 for the air dominance F22. The "A Rafale/Eurofighter killed them" story is for one the ratio of 1 against a lot more getting killed themselves, and two under situations those jets would try not to be in, i.e forced WVR. So even 95 F35s would be a massively, massively larger force multiplier compared to 114 fourth gen MRFA or heck even 144 of the original plan.

If we can do it, we should definitely not be stupid and take the opportunity. It would have to be cleared first, which is the unlikely bit. The F35 would be the undeniable stealth champ in the region at LEAST until Chinese 6th gen if even then, and right now our concern is 350+ J20s and the J36 is another decade+ of development away. It would also give us some breathing room to reconsider AMCA as a sixth gen platform earlier in its development.

If it's not cleared, we should reinvestigate the Su-57M with the AL51 and flat stealth nozzle, which should be ready in 4 years and allow enough time to switch our production over. 4 years is a lot closer than not having a single AMCA squadron probably a least until 2040.

 

[Preet]

Rafale is cheaper? U sure? 🤣

 

[siva saba]

20 F-35 jets for 5 billion USD. One squadron of F-35s is a good deterrent in addition to Rafale, Tejas Mk2, and AMCA.

 

[Enforcer]

F35 IS THE ONLY WAY. Four F-35s can take out an entire squadron of Pakistani F-16s, and they won't even see it coming. People think it's not offered, but in reality, it will be. The plane itself is not the most expensive thing in the world; it's everything else that is pricey. To operate the F-35, you need to build an infrastructure, aka special hangars, maintenance and repair depots, etc. Also, the stealth coating needs costly maintenance. The good thing is the engines last a long time and require lower maintenance compared to Russian ones.

Something around 80-100 is what I would consider adequate. Two squadrons in Punjab or Srinagar would cover both Pakistan and China, a squadron in Jamnagar, a squadron in Assam, and one more in Delhi or MP.

Is the F-35 worth it? Heck yes!

 

[Akshat]

The F35 and F22 post incredible kill ratios in war game exercises against fourth gen jets. At least one source said 20:1 for the F35 and an astounding 108:1 for the air dominance F22. The "A Rafale/Eurofighter killed them" story is for one the ratio of 1 against a lot more getting killed themselves, and two under situations those jets would try not to be in, i.e forced WVR. So even 95 F35s would be a massively, massively larger force multiplier compared to 114 fourth gen MRFA or heck even 144 of the original plan.

If we can do it, we should definitely not be stupid and take the opportunity. It would have to be cleared first, which is the unlikely bit. The F35 would be the undeniable stealth champ in the region at LEAST until Chinese 6th gen if even then, and right now our concern is 350+ J20s and the J36 is another decade+ of development away. It would also give us some breathing room to reconsider AMCA as a sixth gen platform earlier in its development.

If it's not cleared, we should reinvestigate the Su-57M with the AL51 and flat stealth nozzle, which should be ready in 4 years and allow enough time to switch our production over. 4 years is a lot closer than not having a single AMCA squadron probably a least until 2040.

Well, the thing is that the 25 billion USD is supposed to not only get us fighter jets, but also create a private player who can manufacture jets, and create the entire ecosystem for advanced jet manufacturing. With F35, you can rest assured that we won't be getting even the final assembly lines, as that itself is one of the most advanced processes in the manufacturing of stealth jets. We will not get any tech regarding any of the electronic codes or engines. In fact, as per one report, F35s need daily activation codes. So far, even UK doesn't have the ability to generate those (report from 2023). So we can't even operate them without direct approval from US.

So is it amazing? Surely. But apart from the planes, we won't get anything at all.

As for Su 57, it is one of the biggest junks around. Russia, China and India all agree that even fourth gen planes outdo it. So definitely not gonna happen.

 

[Hari Sud]

Remember that buying anything from US is full of Congressional approval and road blocks. Any of these independent entities can sabotage the sale or supply of spare parts or other services.

Assume that Trump grants India NATO like war material purchase process, still these approvals are essential.

 

[yogesh]

Reference the article above, I am not sure if we should be looking at purchasing stealth fighter jets regardless of the country that makes an offer. The plausible reasons may be:

1. If other nations catch up with the US in 5th-generation warfare and 6th-generation warfare, then the only differentiation would be training and tactics in a real wartime environment.
2. Stealth aircraft are now increasingly being tracked, and with hypersonic platforms, they could be vulnerable.
3. Transformation of aircraft design to incorporate directed energy weapons will also pose challenges for stealth aircraft.
4. Space weapons can also affect how platforms on land, air, and sea function.
5. Cyber weapons can be effects-based from space, air, land, and sea.

I see these articles popping up every now and then, but are they realistic in their assessments of capabilities WHEN adversarial forces match the capabilities of the US? While the US has very large budgets, other countries like China are also working on many parameters. They also have large budgets.

Our country should think of ways to reduce the gaps from the inception of a design to rollout. Whatever we manage to produce will be fairly good for managing airspaces PROVIDED we also make huge strides in all other domains of warfare.

 

[Enforcer]

Su-57 or F-35...?

F-35 any day of the week. Su-57 is junk, it's not even stealthy, lacks advanced sensors and software sensor integration, bad engines, and no proof of ability to supercruise.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

India has to pamper Trump to get the F-35. The F-35 is a beast. The Su-57 is not comparable with the F-35. If India can get 2 squadrons of F-35s, it will be sufficient. Don't need 25 billion; spend the rest of the money on AMCA and Tejas on the warfront. The biggest blunder was done by the IAF by not giving an extra Rafale order.

 

[beencensured]

We will not get any tech regarding any of the electronic codes or engines. In fact, as per one report, F35s need daily activation codes. So far, even UK doesn't have the ability to generate those (report from 2023). So we can't even operate them without direct approval from US.

For once I agree and signing the deal means we become a colony, and have no ambition to be superpower.

 

[Carrot]

F-35 any day of the week. Su-57 is junk, it's not even stealthy, lacks advanced sensors and software sensor integration, bad engines, and no proof of ability to supercruise.

Bro is so wrong on SU-57. It is. Not just stealthy like F-35 else it is as good as any 4.5++ fighter jet. Even better than F15

 

[Venugopal Kesavan]

India can buy 35-36 F-35s and the remaining amount be spent on 70 Rafaels. To get out of Russian clutches we have to take steps now to familarize ourselves with Western aircrafts and technology. Now is the time to do it. No point in postponing such arrangement for the future.

 

[divine]

F35 IS THE ONLY WAY. Four F-35s can take out an entire squadron of Pakistani F-16s, and they won't even see it coming. People think it's not offered, but in reality, it will be. The plane itself is not the most expensive thing in the world; it's everything else that is pricey. To operate the F-35, you need to build an infrastructure, aka special hangars, maintenance and repair depots, etc. Also, the stealth coating needs costly maintenance. The good thing is the engines last a long time and require lower maintenance compared to Russian ones.

This is completely false, and I would add that you seem to be forgetting several important points:

• The hourly cost of the F-35 is $42,000, without doubt the most expensive aircraft to operate.
• Only Unit 4 of the F-35 (scheduled for 2029 at the earliest) will make the plane fully operational because, to date, it still hasn't solved the serious problems that have existed for over ten years.
• And finally, even the flight simulator is still not operational!

The author of this article takes absolutely no account of operational combat maintenance, which even the US GAO constantly criticizes.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

S400 has run it's course and such should be discarded. Bharat should request Dolandji for F35s and I'm sure he won't say no as Dolandji and Modiji are good friends. Dolandji has a track record of helping Bharat at every juncture.

 

[Enforcer]

Bro is so wrong on SU-57. It is. Not just stealthy like F-35 else it is as good as any 4.5++ fighter jet. Even better than F15

Sure its better than F15. But it's not 5th gen still. Stealth plays a key role in operations and its not worth getting SU57. I don't want IAF always staying one step behind the world in terms of technology. Its time to be equal to west and one step ahead of China and Pakistan.