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.

 

[Intelliegent Indian]

Bringing 36 Rafales at such huge price will go for waste if they don't produce Engines and parts in India. This MRFA coupled with Marine jets should be made in India. India should plan to hold atleast 100 fighter jets of same type. India GOVT should put pressure on Rafale to manfacture and assemble in India. I think Eurofighter typhoon, Boeing F15EX and Rafale can only face Chinese stealth jets.

 

[Rokuth]

Um, the Gripen is powered by a F404 derivative.

If it is the Gripen E version, it is powered by a Swedish licensed built version of the F-414. The earlier, and smaller Gripen A, B, C, and D versions are powered by a Swedish licensed built version of the F-404. Plus Saab has experience with what the Indian Government wants. They have a similar contract with Brazil for the Gripen E, and Brazilian only 2 seater Gripen F.

 

[DNA57]

I don't understand why Indian-Govt & Military thinks that any sensible Nation will share their Strategic Military technology with another Non-allied Nation?

So, they will not share their tech.....well and good. Now, they will not be able to have us in limbo and we will save a huge amount, about 23 billion. Simply.

 

[Naveen Bijoy]

Gripen failed the trials. As for cost, Rafale has been chosen as L1 every single time by India so they are the cheapest. No dirty gaming by them.

They are not ready for technology transfer now. Btw their have more 200+ in order books. Monthly production rate is 3 per month.

 

[Akshat]

They are not ready for technology transfer now. Btw their have more 200+ in order books. Monthly production rate is 3 per month.

Monthly production rate is 2 per month for now. They plan to raise it to 3 by the end of this year.That means all of them can be delivered in about 7-8 years. And their CEO has said that if new orders come, they can raise it to even 4 per month. So there is enough room for new orders.

As for whether they are ready or not, I am sure you have an official source saying they refused, right? Please share it with us as well.

 

[desigandu]

Good thinking, but this does not solve our short term needs. Given the issues with GE F404 engines even Mk1As are delayed - big problem.

 

[beencensured]

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.

Everyone is not slave to Western junk.

 

[wallisk]

De facto shortlisting the 3: F-21/ Rafale/Russian

Boeing wont get any approvals to shift entire F-15EX or even F-18. Americans will hand over F-21 production lines that IAF will junk. Grippen is no go due to Mk2
Leaves Su-57 and Rafale to be realistic...wait and watch...this basically is India, for the first time, arm twisting the vendors instead of getting arm twisted by them. I also think this is India telling France...enough of BS..handover produciton or we are byung Su-57

ONLY if IAF shortlists F21 and Gripen-E SEF jets into finalists list of- Rafale, Typhoon and F15EX, can IAF have a chance of getting lower priced jets than the Rafales of Dassault France! Also, MoD MUST allow SEF jets into MRFA tender contention.

 

[wallisk]

This approach is long overdue. Lame excuses like squadron depletion should not be linked to this approach.

35 years wasted in this issueless drama starting with IAF requests to make in India by HAL 126 nos. of Mirage2000's - wayyyy back in 1990 or 1995....

 

[beencensured]

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.

This was reason for Trump's assassination attempt . The Secret Service failed after having few minutes warning as the crowds in Trump rally were more alert. Even Government snippers with clear site of gunman failed. Looks like they purposely let Trump be attack, and even Biden said put a target on Trump.

 

[beencensured]

Good thinking, but this does not solve our short term needs. Given the issues with GE F404 engines even Mk1As are delayed - big problem.

Our Country never trust desi products. Put Kaveri with 73 kn afterburner, stop wasting time. The west is their to screw you only. Develop every type of engine class. Hand holding is for id10ts.

 

[beencensured]

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 .

I am still wondering what technology would be gained by MRFA which all planes seem outdated.

 

[Rajesh]

1. The Indian company should be the one which comes forward to manufacture amca . simply giving it to an Indian screwdriver company will be similar to m777 project given to Mahendra (it should have been given to kalyani)
2. full tot and complete manufacturing in india .
3. indian upgrades and weapons integration through the life cycles of the jet to be done by india.
4. engine still will be a cause of concern so an amca engine type deal should be considered .( If rafale-m88-3 and typhoon-ej200 wins then those engine can also be used for mk1A)
5. 30-40 years this jet will be in our force and possibly even longer so we don't have to worry in the future esp if the OEM is from west ,hope no scope of back stabbing or political threats be given a space like the recent incidents with the f404 engines.

 

[Sudha]

I am still wondering what technology would be gained by MRFA which all planes seem outdated.

If it is so, why can't you manufacture a hitech plane & sell it to Indian military? 🤔

 

[Sudha]

I don't understand why Indian-Govt & Military thinks that any sensible Nation will share their Strategic Military technology with another Non-allied Nation?

A bad weakness since independence continues.

 

[Sudha]

Bringing 36 Rafales at such huge price will go for waste if they don't produce Engines and parts in India. This MRFA coupled with Marine jets should be made in India. India should plan to hold atleast 100 fighter jets of same type. India GOVT should put pressure on Rafale to manfacture and assemble in India. I think Eurofighter typhoon, Boeing F15EX and Rafale can only face Chinese stealth jets.

Pressure doesn't work, only carrots work.

 

[Sudha]

First it was one lost soul IAF ACM that demanded 5th gen. tech's and that MRFA jets must be upgradeable to full 5th gen., and that all DRDO developed 5th gen. tech's must be compatible to MRFA jets [utter nonsensical imbecile requests]. Now, GoI wanting 100% ToT's and 100% manufacturing in India! IAF will be very FUCQKED in a few years when fleet strength falls to below 30 squadrons. And PAF is the 4th technically strongest and largest AF in the whole world; will be at 38 squadrons with majority 4.5 gen. fighter jets...

What is the name of the fiction? 4th gen to be upgraded to 5th? WOW!! Even a layman knows it is not possible. I will purchase it first when you release your book. 🤣😂

 

[Ajath Shri]

Good move. Not only the jets will be manufactured in India , also India will get a great opportunity for developing a strong eco system for aircraft and spare parts manufacturing.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

Everyone is not slave to Western junk.

Big words when our own project languishes in eternal delays. I have previously mentioned, I have no issues if the domestic DPSU can deliver the project as per specifications within time frame. Unfortunately, they have proven that they cant. Over and over they continue to miss deadlines with projects languishing in perpetual delays. In such a scenario they leave us with no choice but to rely on imported defense equipment.

Unfortunately when DPSU are incapable of meeting requirements on time, they dont really have right to complain if services scout for alternatives to fill capability void as they simply cant wait for decades to see the requested platform enter prototype testing and then subsequent production. Moreover till the time they enter service, the core avionics architecture around which its designed would have become obsolete.

 

[Sanjiv Mathur]

I am still wondering what technology would be gained by MRFA which all planes seem outdated.

Outdated? They are not 5th generation but the tender is for 4.5 gen planes. In that category these are the best available options. Besides, F15Ex is spanking new. Only the airframe is the same as b4. And same with the F21. The European fighters are also contemporary, as are the Sukhoi and MiG options.