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.

 

[Boomeranger]

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.

Unused boxed MIG29-SMT ckd kits [Minus Zhuk radars!] from Russia, and used Mirage2000-9's from France are the BEST cost effective solutions so far... We can demand RD33-MK-OVT Sea-wasp engines too... SU30MKI is costing same as Rafales now!

 

[Boomeranger]

it depends what fighter jet we buy for MRFA, any 4th gen jets other than heavy SU-35 or F15 will kill local products, as we have the local technology to make a 4th gen fighter jet comparable to others.

F15EX is BEST or else, try to get Gripen-E at much lower costs [at least 70 millions usd per unit jet discounts] than Rafales..

 

[Boomeranger]

ONLY ONE cost effective option available in MRFA now, if Baba Kalyani is ready for it and that is reduced costs of Gripen-E jets made in India by B K Ltd...

 

[Akshat]

I doubt we can even buy another 36 Rafale F4 for another $10Bln this time, if it happens then it will be a real miracle.

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.

 

[Boomeranger]

Please stop with this click bait articles until some concrete action happens with regarding the MRFA program.

After, June 4th, i expect that MRFA will be scrapped and most likely, Tejas Mk1A & MK2 will be dual sourced from L1 & L2 vendors like Project Zorawar to fast track rebuilding our squadron strength. DRDO/HAL will be forced to share the IP/manufacturing BOM with a second vendor like Adani Defense for dual sourcing.

MRFA scrapped den, in July 2024 IAF ACM will announced STEALTH-MRCA new tender next!!!

 

[bonito]

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 ?

 

[Pink Panther]

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.

 

[Baka007]

No MRFA will kill IAF and so every Indian in next 5 years What's the solution ?

using the fear of external threats to sell foreign maal
Similar to how Pakistani military gives excuses to itz citizens

 

[Akshat]

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.

 

[Pink Panther]

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.

 

[bonito]

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 ?

 

[Akshat]

Really , better check the facts before saying anything here, or at-least google and find out, it is all over the Web.

So 22 jets for 6 billion doesn’t mean 36 jets for 9.82 billion? You need google for this?

 

[Baka007]

The MRFA & the boogeyman stories to force foreign maal on us.

 

[Avada kedavra]

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"

 

[Rinku Pandey]

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.

 

[Pink Panther]

So 22 jets for 6 billion doesn’t mean 36 jets for 9.82 billion? You need google for this?

you mean $6Bln for only 22 jets is less, So in that case how do you think we can buy 114 Rafales for $17Bln.

 

[Baka007]

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.

 

[Akshat]

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.

 

[Akshat]

you mean $6Bln for only 22 jets is less, So in that case how do you think we can buy 114 Rafales for $17Bln.

But we were discussing 36 Rafale for 10 billions. That was your statement, no?

 

[Pink Panther]

HAHAHAHAHA... NEVER EVER!! If MRFA be scrapped then IAF will float a S-MRCA Stealth MRCA tender next: for KF21 ; F15EX ; SU57 and Rafale F5 jets....

IF can do anything but MOD hasn’t provided AON on it.