India's Top Gun Enters Politics: Will Fighter Jet Deals Take Flight with Bhadauria in Politics?

Former Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria's recent foray into politics with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and his potential candidacy from Ghaziabad, has ignited discussions within both political and defence circles.

Bhadauria, celebrated for his advocacy of indigenous defence programs and decisive strategic procurement choices, brings a distinctive viewpoint to the political landscape.

A Background Steeped in Aviation and Advocacy​

Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria boasts an esteemed career within the Indian Air Force (IAF). A former LCA-Tejas test pilot, he was instrumental in pushing forward India's homegrown defence capabilities.

His steadfast support for initiatives such as the Tejas MkII reflects his dedication to strengthening India's defence sector and mitigating reliance on imported military hardware.

Bhadauria's term saw considerable shifts in defence procurement approaches. He championed the acquisition of 114 multirole fighter aircraft (MRFA), emphasizing domestic production to revamp India's air force while bolstering indigenous manufacturing.

Furthermore, his well-known backing for procuring an additional 36 Dassault Rafale fighter jets in batches exemplified a pragmatic strategy to augment India's aerial prowess through tactical partnerships and acquisitions.

Political Entry: Potential Impact on Fighter Aircraft Landscape​

Bhadauria's political debut may provide the impetus the IAF needs to secure another batch of Rafale aircraft. The MRFA tender has stalled for the past eight years, and Bhadauria's influence could revitalize the process.

Additionally, the former Air Chief Marshal has been a strong proponent of the Tejas MkII and AMCA programs, both of which have been granted CCS (Cabinet Committee on Security) clearance and are currently under development.

Implications and Considerations​

Bhadauria's transition into politics raises intriguing possibilities for India's defence sector. His insider knowledge and commitment to strengthening the IAF could influence future procurements and policies. It remains to be seen how his political influence will shape the IAF's modernization trajectory.

 

[Akshat]

But at any time they only make 6/year for export customers, there are more chances of France loosing a lot of Rafale's in Ukraine, so they have to make replacements also which will add to the 300 order Backlog already.

They made 13 last year and are making 2/month right now. 🤣🤣 France and IAF hater exposed again

 

[Akshat]

So far Dassault only made 6 Rafale's/year for export customers, France might soon have to replace lost Rafale's in Ukraine also, HAL is much better compared to Dassault when it comes to Production rate.

Yeah yeah…Dassault is gonna make 30 per year for France right? Dassault CEO has said that they are currently making 2 per month, will go to 3 per month by the end of this year and can go to 4 if more orders come. HAL takes a year to make that many 😂😂

 

[Pink Panther]

Yeah yeah…Dassault is gonna make 30 per year for France right? Dassault CEO has said that they are currently making 2 per month, will go to 3 per month by the end of this year and can go to 4 if more orders come. HAL takes a year to make that many 😂😂

HAL also has capacity to make 24, but it doesn't mean that they can make 24, as some of the bays are used for other projects, like maintaining other jets, upgrades and likewise, same with Dassault or any other OEM. Dassault having capacity to make 24 doesn't really mean anything, practically they can make 12-15/year, which includes jets for their Air force and Navy also.

 

[Akshat]

HAL also has capacity to make 24, but it doesn't mean that they can make 24, as some of the bays are used for other projects, like maintaining other jets, upgrades and likewise, same with Dassault or any other OEM. Dassault having capacity to make 24 doesn't really mean anything, practically they can make 12-15/year, which includes jets for their Air force and Navy also.

But Dassault is making 2/month as per the commitment. That’s the difference between HAL and a private company like Dassault. As per 6/ year for exports, they delivered more than 11 to India itself

 

[Pink Panther]

But Dassault is making 2/month as per the commitment. That’s the difference between HAL and a private company like Dassault. As per 6/ year for exports, they delivered more than 11 to India itself

not all 11 in One Year.