The Indian Air Force's (IAF) quest for 114 new multi-role fighter aircraft under the Medium Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program has intensified, with Dassault Aviation's Rafale and Lockheed Martin's F-16V Viper emerging as the key contenders.
While the Rafale appears to be favored by the IAF, reports suggest the US government is actively lobbying India to select the American fighter jet.
French online military portal Avions Legendaires suggests that the IAF's familiarity with the Rafale, gained through the operation of 36 Rafale fighter jets and the impending acquisition of 26 Rafale M for the Indian Navy, gives Dassault a significant advantage.
The portal highlights the IAF's previous rejection of the F-16 platform in the earlier Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition, where the F-16 Block 70 failed to meet technical requirements.
However, Lockheed Martin, rebranding the F-16V as the F-21 specifically for India, is reportedly receiving strong support from the US administration. This diplomatic pressure, as reported by Avions Legendaires, aims to sway India towards the American offering.
Cost considerations also play a crucial role. While the per-unit cost of the F-16V, based on Taiwan's recent purchase of 66 units, is estimated to be around $197 million, the Rafale's per-unit cost, based on India's 2016 deal, is approximately $244 million. However, these figures can vary based on customization, additional equipment, and negotiations.
Rafale's prospects is further supported by the recent high-profile visit of India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, to Paris, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and other top officials to discuss defence cooperation.
The MRFA competition is a critical procurement for the IAF, with the chosen aircraft set to play a crucial role in India's defense strategy for decades to come. The final decision will likely hinge on a complex interplay of technical capabilities, pricing, and geopolitical considerations. With both Dassault and Lockheed Martin vying for this lucrative contract, the competition is expected to be fierce.
It remains to be seen whether the IAF's operational experience with the Rafale or the US government's lobbying efforts will ultimately sway the decision in this high-stakes competition.
