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Israel's recent acquisition of 25 F-15 fighter jets from Boeing for $5.2 billion has sparked a debate in India: could the Indian Air Force (IAF) secure a better deal by opting for the F-15 over the Dassault Rafale in its Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender?
Israel's deal translates to a per-unit cost of approximately $208 million for each F-15, inclusive of infrastructure, logistics, and training. This figure is significantly lower than the estimated $236 million per unit cost of the 36 Rafale jets India acquired in 2016.
The IAF's MRFA tender aims to procure 114 multi-role fighter aircraft. If India were to acquire Rafales at the same per-unit cost as the 2016 deal, the total expenditure would be a staggering $26.9 billion.
However, if the IAF were to choose the F-15 at the same per-unit cost as Israel's deal, the estimated cost for 114 aircraft would be around $23.7 billion, potentially saving India over $3 billion.
Key Considerations
- F-15 Advantages: Known for its high thrust-to-weight ratio, superior payload capacity, and long-range capabilities, making it a formidable platform for air superiority and strike missions.
- Rafale Advantages: Already operational within the IAF, offering advanced multirole capabilities with a focus on ease of maintenance, survivability, and interoperability. Choosing the Rafale would also streamline logistics and reduce pilot retraining requirements.
The Final Decision
While the potential cost savings associated with the F-15 are substantial, the IAF's decision will likely involve a complex evaluation of various factors, including:- Customization and Technology Transfer: The extent to which each platform can be customized to meet India's specific requirements and the potential for technology transfer and local production partnerships.
- Long-term Operational Costs: A comprehensive assessment of maintenance, spare parts, and lifecycle costs for both aircraft.
- Geopolitical Considerations: The strategic implications of choosing an American platform (F-15) versus a French platform (Rafale).