India Demands Full Domestic Manufacturing for MRFA Fighter Jet Program

In a move signalling a bold shift in its defense acquisition strategy, India's government has seeking a new policy mandating complete fighter jet production within the country for its upcoming Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program. This decision signifies a significant departure from previous 'Make in India' initiatives that focused on partial domestic production.

Under this revised policy, any company bidding for the lucrative MRFA contract, estimated at $23 billion, must be willing to establish a manufacturing facility in India capable of producing the entire aircraft. Additionally, the government seeks comprehensive technology transfer and a joint venture with a local partner for full-scale production.

This move is seen as a clear step towards India's goal of achieving 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliance) in defense. While the policy change may delay the much-needed acquisition of fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, it is aimed at bolstering the domestic aerospace industry and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

Several leading aircraft manufacturers, including Dassault, Boeing, SAAB, Lockheed Martin, and others, are reportedly vying for the MRFA contract. However, the new policy raises the stakes for these companies, forcing them to re-evaluate their bids and propose a comprehensive plan for complete aircraft production in India.

Industry analysts expect a new global tender incorporating these stringent requirements to be issued soon. However, the policy shift is also anticipated to further delay the MRFA acquisition process, given the complexity of setting up full-fledged manufacturing and technology transfer.

The Indian Air Force currently operates with 31 fighter jet squadrons, significantly below the sanctioned strength of 42. While the new policy aims to build long-term capabilities, it also underscores the immediate need for the Air Force to bridge the gap in its fighter fleet.

The success of this ambitious policy change will hinge on effective collaboration between the government, foreign vendors, and domestic partners. The challenges ahead are considerable, but if successful, the MRFA program could significantly boost India's domestic aerospace industry and propel it towards greater self-reliance in defense.

 

[sanket]

Do not think so. It was HAL's product from day one. Why blame IAF?

Ha Ha it was not HAL product From Day one it was ADA product From Day one after ADA developed Tejas HAL have shown Interest. Actually HAL have denied interest in earlier in Tejas Project Go study First Update your self.

 

[PARTHAJIT JANA]

I think this is a good approach. Mrfa is obviously needed. Look at russia india discussions about few days ago.its about spares manufacturing in India. So, taking those steps from the very beginning even if it costs more is good.

 

[PARTHAJIT JANA]

Everyone knew that US was very unreliable. Why did HAL took a decision to use F404 engines even when they knew production of which was closing down? A pure failure on the part of HAL management. HAL's management is more responsible for this fiasco.

You do realise using f404 is a decistion of 1983-2000 era right?

 

[Neal.B]

Leaving no efforts to make sure that MRFA is not coming anytime soon.

 

[Parimal Pandya]

How much possibilities of getting successful to get a indigenous weapons from the disgusting environment for each and every generation growing up with targets for government or private jobs without any other option

 

[Bharat007]

Damn! Russia should have fielded Su-57.

 

[Bharat007]

i always said every Nut/bolt ready to manufacture company will win MRFA ,But after GE-404 Engine delay drama India should b careful & should not over depend on US.India think two front war if supply chain is not good how to fought war.Not only Fighter jet under MRFA should b manufacture in India But opportunity exist in Exporting this jets to Freindly nation too. India needs Complete Eco-system of Fighter jet & Engine used in that Jet to b manufactured in India.Even some weapons too should b manufactured under License.

In Article F-15Ex & Su-35 is missing whether or not win is next Thing But they 2 are also contenders of MRFA .

Exactly. I am more concerned of what US high ranking official said last month. I remember, he said that there is no middle ground in this conflict. Ostensibly it refers to US-Russia cold war 2. US will use everything to end India's neutrality, even threat and blackmail by blocking spare parts supply. US is no stranger to it.

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

Better we make F-35 or F-16 block 70/72 aka F-21 or Rafale F-5 under make in India !

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Forget Rafales then you will only get old tech. Probably some American junk.

 

[Baiju Bhaskaran]

If IAF is serious about MRFA, it is a step in the right direction and may be only Rafales will be able to satisfy it completely.

 

[Sentoki]

Sure....as long as you are just pipe dreaming about MRFA, you can include any stipulations you want! The only one you will likely end agreeing to these terms might be Mig-35.

114 aircrafts is a huge number but not big enough to give away all your know how. Indian MOD & policy makers still have no clue & realistic expectations.

The only way to Aatmanirbharta is doing the hard grunt of your own R&D. It's hard work with a lot of patience but will pay rich dividends in the end.

 

[GMR]

More delays and no AoN? Someone in the MoD needs to receive a knock on their heads.

Brother, abhi tender hi release nehi hua.. MOD ko knock baad main karna

 

[Parimal Pandya]

Culprits have established substandard institutions of higher education system for getting ransom to create scams like IIM p arbindam or Baiju but not credited manpower capable to get indigenous weapons

 

[sanket]

Brother, abhi tender hi release nehi hua.. MOD ko knock baad main karna

Many few can remember what has happen to tender , After 2016 36 Rafale deal , IAF pushed for single Engine Fighter jet Tender Then after waster valueable time they started MRFA Process with inclusion of Twin Engine Figter jet & allowing Su-35 to take part in the MRFA.IAF itself not knowing what is there Requirement is Only Two have shown interest in Single Engine tender Gripen & F-16,

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

Oh dear! The MOD seems to be high on drugs, if they think they can enforce such ridiculous terms. No such thing as total tech transfer in the world of defense and unless u either buy out OEM, you are not going to have total control of designs.

No OEM will part with IP on critical components design and manufacturing, as doing so jeopardizes not just future business, but also integrity and confidentiality of classified data.

 

[Naveen Bijoy]

Only LM F-21 and Boeing F/A-18 and F-15EX was willing to manufacture all of their fighters in India with an Indian partner.
Rostec and HAL tie-up was a disaster for India.

Do not hold your breath about MRFA at all.

Go full steam ahead with Tejas IA productions and Tejas Mk2 developments.
Bring in private players to put competition on HAL or else it will keep going with its lackadaisical attitudes.

No vision or planning and execution on parts of IAF, MoD, GoI, and above all HAL.

U must be joking , after seeing HAL production rate , Tejas MK 1 A is being delayed .
@16 flights production per year , when can u have the full squadron ready

 

[मित्र]

Damn! Russia should have fielded Su-57.

It seems to be a renewed tender, may require fresh bids.

 

[Naveen Bijoy]

September 2024 deadline will decide the Reliability of US ,dont trust US already 220 Tejas are dependent on US engine,another 108 Tejas MK2 Followed by TEDBF 100 Jets & 40 AMCA MK1 . All this plus add to that 114 from MRFA Almost 600 Fighter jet have to depend on US . its over dependency i again think India should go with European Fighter jet Either Rafale or Eurofighter But Rafale being Single Nation & already finding place in IN & Airforce it is ultimate choice question is will Dassault ready to manufacture in India & atleast 60 to 65% ToT.& Meteor system ToT under License production to India.

Dassault and French are playing dirty games.
Btw cost of Rafale is more , should go with Gripen or HAL should offload production of Tejas to some private players.

 

[Anurag]

Everyone knew that US was very unreliable. Why did HAL took a decision to use F404 engines even when they knew production of which was closing down? A pure failure on the part of HAL management. HAL's management is more responsible for this fiasco.

HAL is not responsible why always put the blame on them!! They are incompetent organization for sure and have poor work culture but still they didn't choose the Ge engines they won by L1 supplier and deal was signed through gov to gov HAL has no role in it!!

 

[Anurag]

Do not think so. It was HAL's product from day one. Why blame IAF?

I don't know why this all blame game put back between IAF and HAL??
Both serves to the MoD