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Russia's MiG-35 fighter jet, a contender for India's Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) competition, is likely to be withdrawn from the race.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.

 

[sanket]

That will speed up the evaluation process, but the real competition will be between Rafale and Eurofighter. The remaining contenders are just there to put pressure on these two to give the best deal under MRFA. The US will be the only country to have pitched 3 fighter jets under MRFA, and if they return empty-handed, it will be a big blow to their aero-industry, having already lost against Rafale M in the naval tender for 26 naval versions.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Good decision. Time for Russian fighters being bought by Bharat is over. RIP.

 

[Enforcer]

Nobody in the world wants Mig-35, including Russia lol.

Russian have not been spending big on R&D since like late 1980's. All Indians need to see and learn from that. Look at the current state of Russian equipment.

 

[Andy]

If they are doing that then they will pitch Su57

 

[Kira]

I mean since it is the weakest contender in the MMRCA and has been since 2007, it was natural that the Russians finally decided to withdraw it.

 

[BORN FIGHTER]

Russian will offer SU 57. That is why they have withdrawn MIG 35.

 

[Gajanan Rao]

Will we have the 110 aircrafts tender complete or in limbo till next century?

 

[Baiju Bhaskaran]

MRFA should go ahead only if Rafael is considered. Otherwise cancel it and give order for 36 Rafales and 72 Sukhoi's.

 

[123Stormtrooper]

Russia should consider a full sale of MiG35 design and 100% manufacturing ToT. That will make it an attractive proposition to India.

 

[Anant]

Russia should consider a full sale of MiG35 design and 100% manufacturing ToT. That will make it an attractive proposition to India.

It still won't. The MiG-35 is little more than a modernised land variant of the MiG-29K/M with the serial numbers filed off.

We do not want MiG-29s to replace old MiG-29s, thanks.

 

[Anant]

Good riddance. The fact that the MiG-35 is unwanted by literally everyone should have been a hint long back.

 

[Sridhar]

Good riddance. The fact that the MiG-35 is unwanted by literally everyone should have been a hint long back.

It's not accepted even by their own Air force. Old wine in a new bottle.

 

[Sandeep]

The MRFA is never going to happen at all. The focus is on indigenous jets and should remain so.

 

[LookMoo]

Good decision. Time for Russian fighters being bought by Bharat is over. RIP.

Military Expert Col. Squirdit Sing Analysis:

The MiG-35, often misclassified as a 5th generation fighter but more accurately described as a 4++ generation aircraft, has seen limited combat engagements in the Ukraine providing it with a degree of battle-testing. Its ongoing development has been notably focused on countering adversaries like the F-16s (like those operated by Pakistan) and F-35 Lightning II.

In military procurement, especially for advanced fighter jets, there's typically a primary contender whose proposal aligns closest with the strategic and tactical needs of the acquiring nation, offering what is perceived as the best value or capability. However, the presence of multiple contenders in the bidding process is critical. These additional competitors serve not just to drive down costs through competitive pricing but also to ensure a diversity of technological options, capabilities, and strategic partnerships, even if they in the end is not selected.

Eliminating these alternative contenders prematurely can significantly inflate project costs, as it reduces the pressure on the primary contender to offer competitive pricing or to compromise on technology transfer and support terms. It's a fundamental strategy in defense acquisition to maintain a broad field of options until later stages of the procurement process to secure the best possible deal in terms of both cost and capability.

 

[Dredd]

The MiG-35, often misclassified as a 5th generation fighter but more accurately described as a 4++ generation aircraft, has seen limited combat engagements in the Ukraine providing it with a degree of battle-testing. Its ongoing development has been notably focused on countering adversaries like the F-16s (like those operated by Pakistan) and F-35 Lightning II.

there is no Mig35 flying in ukraine.

 

[LookMoo]

there is no Mig35 flying in ukraine.

The MiG-35 has been tested and used in Ukraine. According to reports, Russia deployed the MiG-35 in air strikes against Ukraine starting around November 2023. Not in a fighter roll but in a bomber / striker roll.

 

[Dredd]

The MiG-35 has been tested and used in Ukraine. According to reports, Russia deployed the MiG-35 in air strikes against Ukraine starting around November 2023. Not in a fighter roll but in a bomber / striker roll.

ok.. I think those operation is to demonstrate jet capability to attract clients, But i think world has moved on from Mig29 series of fighter and rather divided into low cost light jet like Jf17/Tejas/FA50 or advanced medium jets like EFT/Rafale/F16V with jets like J10C/Gripen coming in between

 

[LookMoo]

ok.. I think those operation is to demonstrate jet capability to attract clients, But i think world has moved on from Mig29 series of fighter and rather divided into low cost light jet like Jf17/Tejas/FA50 or advanced medium jets like EFT/Rafale/F16V with jets like J10C/Gripen coming in between

About 5% - 10 - 20% of a modern fighter jet's total cost is for pilot safety, including life support systems like oxygen supply and ejection seats, AI helmets. Example: The F-35's ejection system redesigns highlight these costs. With drone technology advancing, there's a shift towards fewer manned jets and more unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) due to cost, safety, and flexibility benefits.

In the near future, we might see drones powered by solar energy through innovative means like towing sheets of plastic film acting as solar panels, capable of long flights from places like the Middle East to the U.S. This reflects ongoing research into sustainable UAV technology.

Military technology often brings revolutions that are difficult to predict. A historical example is the "Mauser" (Bolt action) rifle in the 1866 Austro-Prussian War. The Prussians' bolt-action Mauser allowed soldiers to reload lying down, giving them a tactical advantage over the Austrians, who used muzzleloaders requiring them to stand to reload. This advantage was pivotal when one (1) Prussian battalion reportedly took out 19 Austrian battalions in an afternoon at the Battle of Königgrätz ( Swiepwald forest), demonstrating how technology can dramatically alter warfare.

 

[Calvin]

The MRFA is never going to happen at all. The focus is on indigenous jets and should remain so.

The MRFA must happen. The indigenous fighters planned are doomed to failure as there are no domestically available engines. All engines from the US or Europe are in huge demand. The engines will be readily available if the requirement is together with an aircraft but if it's only the engines then those orders will have a lower priority with the manufacturer.

 

[MKR1]

Why does our air force act more like a showroom for worldwide fighter aircraft companies? We are the only nation having the largest variety of fighter aircraft from the most diverse countries. Whenever a fighter is purchased, the air force officials always make it sound like "without this we cannot do... this is the last tranche... after this, our shortages will be over." This 43 squadron shortage has been going on for decades now. Added incentive always... the foreign supplier has promised us technology transfer... we will build it here onwards. Whether it was the Mirage, the Jaguars, the MIG-29, or the Rafale, the same story is repeated every time. No honest official puts his foot down.

 

[Akshat]

If they are doing that then they will pitch Su57

Well India has rejected both Mig 35 and Su 57 once. Russians can pitch either and IAF will simply reject them again.

 

[Akshat]

Russian will offer SU 57. That is why they have withdrawn MIG 35.

No issues. IAF would have rejected Mig 35 (for the second time), now they will reject Su 57 (for the second time, again). No major difference.

 

[Akshat]

MRFA should go ahead only if Rafael is considered. Otherwise cancel it and give order for 36 Rafales and 72 Sukhoi's.

Why only 36 Rafale and 72 Sukhois (whichever variant you are suggesting)? Su 30 MKI (made in India) is anyways more expensive than Rafales (made in France). So if we are scrapping the project and not making anything new in India, why not buy 108 Rafales for a lower price point?

 

[SK]

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.