US Presses India for F-21 or F-15EX Deal Under MRFA in Return for Trade Concessions; IAF Likely to Resist Amid China-Pak Stealth Threat

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing mounting pressure from the United States to select either Lockheed Martin's F-21 or Boeing's F-15EX fighter jet for its Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) competition.

This pressure comes amidst ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries, with the US implying concessions in exchange for an Indian purchase of American fighters.

However, the IAF has reservations about both aircraft due to concerns about their technological capabilities in the face of growing regional threats.

Both the F-21 and F-15EX, while modernized versions of older designs, lack the advanced stealth capabilities of fifth-generation fighter jets such as China's J-20 and J-35A.

With Pakistan potentially acquiring these Chinese stealth fighters, India is hesitant to invest in aircraft that could be outmatched technologically.

This concern is further compounded by the potential operational limitations imposed by the US on the sale of the F-35A, a more advanced stealth fighter.

The US Department of Defence has expressed a willingness to sell the F-35A to India, but with strict conditions regarding operational oversight and maintenance.

These conditions, which include regular inspections of Indian airbases and access to monitor the jets' usage, are seen by India as an infringement on its operational sovereignty.

Furthermore, Lockheed Martin's reluctance to establish an F-35 production line in India for a relatively small order of 110 jets adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations.

The IAF's MRFA tender specifically seeks a medium-weight fighter, making the heavy-category F-15EX a less attractive option. While the F-15EX is generally viewed more favorably within the IAF than the F-21, acquiring another heavy fighter like the Su-30MKI does not align with the IAF's current operational needs and strategy.

The IAF's preference remains for a medium-weight fighter that offers a balance of capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and logistical feasibility.

The IAF's reluctance to be swayed by political pressure in its selection of fighter jets demonstrates India's commitment to strategic autonomy in defence procurement. The Indian defence establishment remains wary of acquiring aircraft with restrictive operational oversight requirements.

Furthermore, investing in older-generation fighters while adversaries are deploying cutting-edge stealth platforms would put India at a disadvantage in future aerial engagements.

Despite US pressure, India remains steadfast in its requirements for the MRFA tender. The decision on which fighter jet to procure will be based on India's long-term strategic interests and operational needs, not on short-term diplomatic gains.

Unless the US offers a deal that includes more advanced platforms like the F-35A under acceptable terms, India is unlikely to favor American jets over other contenders in the MRFA competition. This situation highlights India's determination to maintain operational sovereignty while modernizing its air force with technologically superior platforms.

 

[DS]

AMCA is the way ahead not F-35.

Warriors do not go into combat with hands tied behind their backs. They will be defeated.

Our ASR’s issued by IAF are sacrosanct.

 

[Monil Patel]

AMCA is the way ahead not F-35.

Warriors do not go into combat with hands tied behind their backs. They will be defeated.

Our ASR’s issued by IAF are sacrosanct.

But how sure are we that Amca won't be another Tejas, su57 doesn't have proper engines till now and buying 3-4 squadron of f35 would satisfy trump and send a signal to china and pakistan that india has a better fighter than them and f35 should serve atleast 30-40 years unlike rafale which will get outdated after 1-2 decades think logically how often does india do airstrikes like usa f35 or any fifth gen are symbolic in current sinerios f35 would atleast give a piece of mind until amca get in production.

 

[Overvoid]

But how sure are we that Amca won't be another Tejas, su57 doesn't have proper engines till now and buying 3-4 squadron of f35 would satisfy trump and send a signal to china and pakistan that india has a better fighter than them and f35 should serve atleast 30-40 years unlike rafale which will get outdated after 1-2 decades think logically how often does india do airstrikes like usa f35 or any fifth gen are symbolic in current sinerios f35 would atleast give a piece of mind until amca get in production.

All we can do is believe for now. We have to keep our hopes that AMCA won't be another Tejas. Since our economy is growing, I am sure that it won't be at least another Tejas and it's induction will be in 2035. By then, our defence budget will grow more than this. And we don't need SU57 for now because China won't put an all out war just like that. China's main aim for now is to capture Taiwan which they will do anyhow and whatever it takes. And they have to face US over that. For now, we have to focus on Pakistan and Bangladesh as of now. Yes China may behave like how they did in 2020 and 2021, but if it is some border clash, we don't have to worry. China will fund the internal threats in India especially in North East. And may fund some terrorist organizations in Bangladesh and Pakistan just to keep us occupied. We have to look after that. An all out war with us is beyond imagination for China as of now since both countries will face heavy loss. Even if China can build their country faster than us after war, there is no guarantee that they will win the war with us. We have seen how Vietnam made US leave their country. An invasion inside our country will be a huge loss for them since our army knows how to fight in those places. Chinese army does not. Even with their robot dogs, China needs to send it's army inside LAC to actually do something. And they aren't that capable to fight in high altitudes for now. Plus buying F35 will come with heavy restrictions to us since we have good ties with Russia. The US will everyday come for inspection and will tell us things which IAF may not like to do as well sometimes. We can't have war like that. What if Pakistan or Bangladesh suddenly attacks is and we have to use them and US says we can't use them against both Pakistan and Bangladesh? That will be a huge blow to us. And Rafael is not getting outdated anytime soon. It's operation capability is higher than SU-30 MKI as well iirc. So instead of that, we should procure more Rafaels under MRFA or work on Tejas MKII as fast as possible and induct it under MRFA. And getting F35 will give a huge blow to ADA and DRDO since they will think that IAF still does not trusts DRDO and ADA. We have to just wait for AMCA as of now and order more Rafaels, Tejas and order TEJAS MKII as soon as possible.

 

[Dimetraveller]

I think our country needs to partner with japan or any other asiatic country and produce a fifth gen fighter and need to invest lot more for faster production and induction.buyong US jets are not a good idea.f21 is bekar f15 has high operational cost both are useless in today's world.su57 can be a option but russia still doesn't have a proper engine.