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.

 

[SK]

Indian-Govt should buy Additional C-130, CH-47 & Apache to pacify USAF as well as boost the abilities of Indian forces.

Indian govt should consider to invest & buy the AWACS version of V-22 Osrpey for Indian Aircraft Carriers. This will give a major edge to India's STOBAR Carriers.

 

[das bab]

Or we can buy naval version it will not hard to integrate indian weapons if usa agrees. Crashes are more due to cold temperatures

 

[Sambit Ranjan]

India wasted a lot of money on MQ-9 Reaper drones which cost 950 crore per unit. On the other hand, Iran indigenously developed it. So India has to choose the F-35B aircraft which will provide an edge in the Himalayan region because of VTOL capabilities. Nothing else. Mahindra Whap 8×8 is better than Stryker, and India should bring the Rafael assembly line to India and its M88 engine for the Navy twin-engine Tejas.

F-35 is not offered to India. We lost that the day we chose S-400 like Turkey. We need to hand over our S400s to USA to get F-35s.

 

[Madjack]

Since we pursue our own independent foreign policy, we cant take any critical component from US without crippling conditions. Also no one including Nato members can rely on US for blind support...so that bit is established. So we have to have our own or a partner who will share complete tech without restrictions. We need to pursue and support our jet research, so I guess France is the only reliable partner we have. So I agree with @Puneet, India can buy more of P8Is and Romeo Helicopters besides C17s and Chinooks instead of fighter aircraft. And avoid buying the fighters.

 

[Crusader 2024]

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.

The AMCA won't arrive until 2040 and possibly (likely) later than that. So, can India really wait that long and what if it is a failure.....Sorry, it's time for "Plan B".

 

[Crusader 2024]

Cancel MRFA

Instead buy 300-400 Tejas mk2 at the price of MRFA 30 billion dollars

We get 200 more jets in this case..

Win win

Any 4th Generation Fighter is a loss regardless how many you have....I wouldn't take 500 Sopwith Camels over 100 Supermarine Spitfires!

 

[Crusader 2024]

Since we pursue our own independent foreign policy, we cant take any critical component from US without crippling conditions. Also no one including Nato members can rely on US for blind support...so that bit is established. So we have to have our own or a partner who will share complete tech without restrictions. We need to pursue and support our jet research, so I guess France is the only reliable partner we have. So I agree with @Puneet, India can buy more of P8Is and Romeo Helicopters besides C17s and Chinooks instead of fighter aircraft. And avoid buying the fighters.

Absurd you mean the US should pay the majority of NATO Defenses. While many members don't. Our support should be blind but theirs is optional....Nonetheless, we are the world's largest exporter of fighters around the world. Many of the leading powers are our customers and they have had no problems. Hell, most have purchased our products over many decades too! Funny, that they all just keep coming back. (fact) So, what do they know that you don't know?

 

[Crusader 2024]

This time, I totally agree with you in case India dont have any offensive plans. But if we want to go offensive, go for 3-4 sqdrns of su57 with made in India and engine deal.

LOL The Su-57 stealth is reported to be no better than a clean Super Hornet. In short, it is ranked the least capable of all 5th Generation Stealth Fighters and no one wants it. So, what are those 3-4 squadrons of Su-57s worth. I can tell you very little. The Indian Government and Air Force don't want it and neither does anyone else it would seem..........next

 

[Crusader 2024]

Will the USA sell the F-22 Raptor? We are only interested in the F-22 and do not wish to consider any other fighter jet, including the F-35. The F-22’s advanced stealth, agility, and air superiority capabilities align perfectly with our requirements. If there is any possibility of acquiring the F-22, we would like to explore potential avenues for discussion.

The F-35 is much more capable than the F-22 in many respects. As a matter of fact, there is big debate in the US about just retiring the Raptor. It is extremely expensive to operate and maintain. Honestly, it would be better to just buy more F-35s. Then to keep and upgrade the F-22s. It will be interesting to see want Trump will do? Either way they're not up for "sale".

 

[Madjack]

Absurd you mean the US should pay the majority of NATO Defenses. While many members don't. Our support should be blind but theirs is optional....Nonetheless, we are the world's largest exporter of fighters around the world. Many of the leading powers are our customers and they have had no problems. Hell, most have purchased our products over many decades too! Funny, that they all just keep coming back. (fact) So, what do they know that you don't know?

Read the topic being discussed. Also whats good for US doesnt imply its good for us. Makes sense right? Do you think Nato partners can buy chinese or Russian equipment? forget about being good or bad...what options do they have? Remember what happened when France did the submarine deal with Australia? Did US let that deal happen? US creates situations that need US intervention.

 

[Madjack]

Absurd you mean the US should pay the majority of NATO Defenses. While many members don't. Our support should be blind but theirs is optional....Nonetheless, we are the world's largest exporter of fighters around the world. Many of the leading powers are our customers and they have had no problems. Hell, most have purchased our products over many decades too! Funny, that they all just keep coming back. (fact) So, what do they know that you don't know?

The point isn’t about whether the US is the largest arms exporter or whether its existing customers are satisfied. The question is whether India, given its strategic needs and pursuit of technological sovereignty, should enter into a fighter jet deal that comes with restrictive conditions.

• US arms deals often come with End-User Monitoring Agreements (EUMA) and tech transfer limitations. Unlike some NATO allies who have security guarantees, India does not have the same level of strategic alignment with the US.
• India has consistently aimed for self-reliance in defence (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and needs partners willing to share full technology. Historically, France has been more flexible in tech transfer (e.g., Rafale) compared to the US.
• Procurement choices should align with long-term interests, not just availability. While the US excels in defence tech, India must ensure any acquisition aligns with its independent defence policy and operational flexibility.

That’s why platforms like P-8I, MH-60R, C-17, and Chinook, which don’t restrict operational autonomy, make more sense for India than fighter jets with limited access and dependencies. Fighter jet acquisitions must be made with strategic and technological autonomy in mind.

 

[Madjack]

This probably means USA does not want to sell us the GE F404 or the GE F414 engines any further.
They want us to buy their F 16s or whatever - spend all our money buying their planes and Completely shelve our indigenous fighter jet program - Tejas.

We may mock HAL and IAF all we want, but HAL Tejas is one of the greatest acheivements of Indian Aerodynamic sector since India's birth.

Only thing we lack is the Engine. We must go full throttle to invest in Research and Manufacturing of aero engines.

And of course maintain peace in ALL of India's borders.

You are right, but we cannot afford the time right now. China has lit the fire below us by giving Pak the stealth fighters..we will have to buy off the shelf few squadrons...

 

[Madjack]

bs.. India can just buy the Medium lift Transport aircraft, and a few C17 Globemasters. These are to be bought anyway from someplace, so give the US $10-12Bn for these. Alongside, just get the Su57 under MRFA. Do all this in this quarter itself! Bakchodi ka time nai e ab.

No more Russian fighters...I dont think India has had a great experience with their quality. The French Mirage that way have been far more reliable. Far more flying time than the Su 30's. Its a known fact.