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.

 

[Aloo]

Dekh Rafale aaye na aaye F18 ko to nikal hi diya hai. Itna to official hai.

Depends on whether trials happen gain or not. Tech changes lot in a decade

 

[Akshat]

Depends on whether trials happen gain or not. Tech changes lot in a decade

Again, bina topic page comment. I know you hate the truth and the fact that I keep exposing you. But iska ye matlab yo nahi ki bina dekhe kahi bhi Indian military ke against bolne lagega.

 

[Double Tap]

Now only MIG-35 qualifies with this requirement

 

[Pad UwU]

MRO plant DOES NOT mean 100% ToT my dear fella - GoI wants BOTH 100% ToT's AND a 100% manufacturing plant in India...

My point is they'll be force to transfer the whole production area of technology and expertise in India,... The foreign company will training and thought the Indian workers of knowledge and know-how because they're the one's who will be using the advance machineries.... Plus the printouts of manuals and instructions whether it's software or hardware.... With the supervision of government entity seeing them doing it's obligation contract of orders and supply support plus maintenance....

how come can we own a share of knowledge if we won't be paying enough required price and is it our own local private sector ready to put some money on it too?

 

[Anant]

Yes, there are two solutions,

1. Buy off the self, coughing up huge amount of money. or
2. Go for best available Russian engine and invest rest in R&D of indigenous engine.

Now, GOI to decide which one is most suitable.

The best available Russian engine (if you can call them that) doesn't actually solve our problem. Besides engines, the problem that we face is also that we cannot build aircraft fast enough.

We have also invested a lot of money into indigenous engine R&D, which has proven to be rather disappointing. Oh, and you do realise that most of out projects would require some level of redesign and a lot of testing if you suddenly switched out the powerplant, right?

 

[Foxbat]

It is really good to emphasise on make in India and ToT. But the Indian government officials know damn well the MRFA fighter aircrafts procurement is not going to happen so they come up with this bombastic shift in policy. The foreign defence manufacturers know it very well too but they are just testing the water, to see how far the can go. This MRFA fighter aircraft programs has taken unrealistically too much time to become a reality. The MoD officials should just forget about the MRFA and wait for china to send them an invitation before their surprise attack from the border. I am with the strong belief MRFA is not going to happen.