MiG-35 Jet's Limited Production and Reliability Concerns Cast Shadow Over its Bid for India's 110 Fighter Jet MRFA Tender

Russia's MiG-35 fighter jet, a contender for India's Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) competition, is likely to be withdrawn from the race. The Indian Air Force (IAF) seeks to procure 110 new fighter jets, but the MiG-35 faces challenges with limited production rates and a lack of firm orders from the Russian Air Force itself, raising concerns about its long-term viability and support.

Despite boasting advanced features like enhanced aerodynamics, powerful engines, and sophisticated reconnaissance systems, the MiG-35 has struggled to gain traction. Its production base remains limited, affecting aircraft availability and sustainment. Additionally, past MiG aircraft have faced scrutiny in technical evaluations, particularly compared to competitors with more mature designs and proven track records.

The MiG-35 faces formidable competition from established platforms like the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, and Saab Gripen-E. These aircraft generally have more robust production lines, extensive service histories, and well-developed support ecosystems, making them attractive alternatives for India.

Russia's decision to potentially withdraw the MiG-35 is likely influenced by various factors, including global sanctions, financial constraints, and the need to prioritize more viable projects. Focusing on upgrades to existing platforms like the Su-30MKI, which India already operates in significant numbers, could be a more strategic move for Russia.

The MiG-35's potential exit from the competition could streamline the selection process for the IAF, allowing them to concentrate on aircraft with proven production capabilities and operational experience. This presents India with an opportunity to expedite the MRFA tender or re-evaluate its requirements, potentially emphasizing technology transfer, local production, and reduced reliance on Russian equipment.

India's defence procurement strategy is increasingly focused on diversifying its sources and fostering indigenous defence production. The MRFA competition is a crucial element of this strategy, and the potential withdrawal of the MiG-35 underscores the IAF's commitment to selecting a fighter jet that meets its long-term operational needs and strategic goals.

 

[Muthukumar Ponnambalam]

I don't know how Russia can be this dumb.

It should be more aware than anyone how weak and fragile its economy is; how much it faces trade difficulties and Western sanctions, etc., and hence how much it needs India for the well-being of its own defence sector.

In this background, it should have changed its defence policy with India to not be just a supplier/seller to India but should have roped in India for joint development.

Granted, Russians don't respect Indian "scientists" and "engineers," but considering its own economic growth, it should have compromised and tolerated the lack of expertise on the part of Indians. (In fact, they could have pressured India to lure the best and the brightest to work on these projects.) Who knows, fast-learning Indians would have quickly grasped the technology.

For instance, the PAK-FA project alone was about a 25-35 billion dollar project. If it had fruitioned on India's terms, by now, after more than 15 years, the flight would have been in the sky. Both countries would have benefited very well.

We have BrahMos as the textbook example.

Russia could have come forward for more such TOT, like jet engines, submarines, cryogenic engines, etc. True, no country will be willing to offer its decades of hard work in R&D, I can understand that. But in the aftermath of geopolitical changes since the collapse of the USSR and the rise of India as a huge market, Russia should have compromised a little bit for mutually beneficial cooperation. As China wants to do things indigenously, India is the only viable and robust market.

RUSSIA MISSED TO SEE THIS, AND FRANCE IS MAKING INROADS EFFICIENTLY FILLING THIS GAP AND BRILLIANTLY CAPITALIZING ON THE SITUATION.

 

[Anant]

Russia needs to consider developing a single-engine jet like the F-16 or Saab Gripen with an AL-41 engine to ensure commonality with Su-30s & Su-57s.

At the same time, they should develop an Mk-2 version of the Su-57 with higher stealth characteristics.

This is a much more economical option.

Alternatively, Russia can go for an option in which they develop an advanced version of the RD-33MK with similar power and dimensions as the GE-F414, then use it to develop:

1. A twin-engine 5th-gen jet with advanced stealth and fusion characteristics equivalent to the F-35 in both land and carrier versions.
2. A twin-engine 4+ gen jet with advanced sensory fusion equivalent to the F-18 in payload & range for both land and carrier ops.
3. A single-engine 4+ gen jet with advanced sensors & radars for only land ops.

Both options will allow Russia to have the necessary quantity to remain a major military force for the upcoming decades.

They do not have the funding to do that, plain and simple. Russia's economy had been facing a demographic disaster for decades, and their misadventures in Ukraine have only exacerbated this by a few orders of magnitude.

Right now, Russia is going to have more on their minds rather than trying to continue being a major military power.