India's MRFA Program Faces Delays, Could Impact Air Force Readiness

India's MRFA Program Faces Delays, Could Impact Air Force Readiness


The Indian Air Force's (IAF) ambitious Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, intended to procure 114 new fighter jets, is facing significant delays, raising concerns about the potential impact on the IAF's combat readiness.

The MRFA program, initiated in 2018, aimed to replace the aging fleet of MiG-21 and MiG-27 fighter aircraft. However, progress has been slow, with the latest update from Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari in October 2023 providing little indication of substantial advancement.

Based on the complexities involved in such a large-scale defense procurement, including the selection process, contract negotiation, and the integration of indigenous weaponry under the "Make in India" initiative, a finalized deal and the first deliveries of the MRFA are not expected before 2030.

This timeline is in line with previous experiences, such as the acquisition of 36 Rafale jets from France. Despite the initial agreement being signed in 2016, the first deliveries only occurred in late 2019, with the entire fleet arriving by December 2022 – a process that took over six years.

The MRFA program faces several additional hurdles. The selection process itself is complex, with eight contenders vying for the contract. Negotiating a contract with a foreign manufacturer or government can be a lengthy process, especially when considering the intricacies of technology transfer and production under the "Make in India" initiative.

Even with an optimistic timeline of a signed deal by 2026, the first MRFA delivery is unlikely to occur before 2029. This delay could significantly impact the IAF's combat readiness, as its existing fleet continues to age.

To mitigate the potential impact of these delays, experts suggest that the IAF could explore options for quicker acquisition of fighter jets alongside the pursuit of the MRFA program. This could involve considering off-the-shelf purchases of existing fighter aircraft or leasing options, while the long-term MRFA program continues.

The delay in the MRFA program underscores the challenges inherent in large-scale defense procurements. The IAF's ability to maintain its combat readiness in the face of these delays will be a critical test of its strategic planning and adaptability.
 
MRFA will kill the indigenous fighters. Better for India is cancel this project and invest the amount in Kaveri Engine, and other equipment for the fighters.
No MRFA will kill IAF and so every Indian in next 5 years What's the solution ?
 
26 are coming for 6 billion as per reports. 36 would be 8.5 billion as per that report. So never say never for a miracle. And our dearest France might even give us a friends and family discount.
There are 4 used ones in the 26 which is the reason for the miracle price $6Bln otherwise it would have been $7.2Bln for 26.
 
There are 4 used ones in the 26 which is the reason for the miracle price $6Bln otherwise it would have been $7.2Bln for 26.
All brand new. Shining and sparkling brand new Rafale.

And even if we assume your allegation to be true and assume that we are only getting 22 jets (remaining 4 are free), that brings the cost of 36 planes to 9.82 billion.

So a miracle will happen anyways.
 
All brand new. Shining and sparkling brand new Rafale.

And even if we assume your allegation to be true and assume that we are only getting 22 jets (remaining 4 are free), that brings the cost of 36 planes to 9.82 billion.

So a miracle will happen anyways.
Really , better check the facts before saying anything here, or at-least google and find out, it is all over the Web.
 
using the fear of external threats to sell foreign maal
Similar to how Pakistani military gives excuses to itz citizens
How can you be so insensitive to the dwindling squadron's ? Why would you put everyone in danger while indigenous fighters are a decade away and war is eminent within a decade ?
 
you know when various bad things about this country is pointed out. There is only one thing optimists say, "we have a long way to go".

Its been over 77 years since independence. and i have a feeling even after touching 100 people will still say " we have a long way to go"
 
So much money was given for Kaveri. They are ready to give more as well. Same for other indigenous fighters. GoI is ready to give money. But what to do about HAL and DRDO who are wasting money by truckloads without delivering anything?
Haha Goi is ready to give money? If money was not a problem, we wouldn't be discussing MRFA deal today.
 
How can you be so insensitive to the dwindling squadron's ? Why would you put everyone in danger while indigenous fighters are a decade away and war is eminent within a decade ?
Either do it indigenous way or perish.
 
Haha Goi is ready to give money? If money was not a problem, we wouldn't be discussing MRFA deal today.
GoI GAVE money. DRDO is on record telling parliament that so much money was given to them for Kaveri that their scientists couldn’t even figure out what to do with it. They couldn’t even spend the money. Official DRDO statement to Parliament.
 
Need stop gap solution alternatives,
  1. go for additional SU30 with indigenous super Sukhoi upgrade package.
  2. contact Russia for additional mig29 in reserve.
  3. Make additional Tejas MK2 prototypes for PARALLEL & QUICKER test cycles under direct supervision of PMO, with funding assurance on reaching benchmarks.
  1. Too expensive.
  2. IAF not interested.
  3. HAL can’t roll out one and you want parallel testing with multiple prototypes 😂😂 And even if we assume that can be done, IAF chief has said that even with 6 MRFA squadrons and all other HAL programs meeting deadline, which they have already missed, they will be short on planes. So not viable.
 
But we were discussing 36 Rafale for 10 billions. That was your statement, no?
Rafale-M still only comes only in F3R standard as of today, they are still working on F4 upgrade, definitely no F4.2 or F5, which explains why the price is only $273Mln each, also there are no details about if there are any India specific changes like in the IAF variant Rafale C.
 
MRFA will be talked about for next 2-3 years but nothing will happen. As soon Tejas MK II is ready and AMCA shows good progress, MRFA will be forgotten.
 
Rafale-M still only comes only in F3R standard as of today, they are still working on F4 upgrade, definitely no F4.2 or F5, which explains why the price is only $273Mln each, also there are no details about if there are any India specific changes like in the IAF variant Rafale C.
$273 million each for a 4g fighter!!! Much better combat proven and more advanced US made carrier based jets are available for $85 million.
 
$273 million each for a 4g fighter!!! Much better combat proven and more advanced US made carrier based jets are available for $85 million.
This is only base price, we will know the final price when the order is signed officially, Indeed $300Mln for a 4th gen jet. is ridiculous.
 
Rafale-M still only comes only in F3R standard as of today, they are still working on F4 upgrade, definitely no F4.2 or F5, which explains why the price is only $273Mln each, also there are no details about if there are any India specific changes like in the IAF variant Rafale C.
Who said we ain’t getting F4 upgrades in RafaleM? Another one of your imaginations? Dassault has said that all planes delivered post 2025 will be F4 standard only.
 
India should scrap the MRFA competition because it will cost over $25 billion which is too expensive. Before they even start production it will take around 3 years to build the facility and production lines and we will have to rely and import certain parts and technology that only dassault will provide. But Dassault also has a massive backlog of orders and it won't be able to provide those parts or technology for at least over 5 years. India needs to focus more on developing and manufacturing our indigenous jets and missiles so that we are self reliant and we don't have to keep on making expensive imports.

Also the Air Force has a number of other purchases and upgrades like 200 Tejas MK1A, upcoming Tejas MK2, Super Sukhoi upgrade program, Mig 29 upgrades, Mirage 2000 upgrade or buy some older but modern jets to increase our squadron strength and numbers. They also need to buy more SAM like the S400, Akash/Akash NG, MR-SAM, QRSAM, ballistic missile defence etc.
 

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