Why 5th-Gen Jets are the Strategic Choice for India, Not MRFA

India's aerial defence is at a critical turning point. The IAF's Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender presents a solution: readily available, capable 4.5-generation jets.

While tempting, India must look beyond this short-term fix and set its sights on acquiring the game-changing technology of 5th-generation fighters.

Understanding the 5th-Gen Advantage​

Fifth-generation fighter jets are the cutting edge of aerial warfare. Their stealth design makes them difficult to detect on radar, allowing them to penetrate enemy airspace undetected.

Advanced avionics and sensor fusion give pilots unprecedented situational awareness, providing a real-time, 360-degree view of the battlefield. These features translate into a decisive edge in modern combat, enabling them to gather intelligence, neutralize threats, and overpower adversaries with superior firepower and maneuverability.

While capable in their own right, 4.5-gen jets cannot compete with this level of sophistication.

The Rapidly Evolving Geopolitical Landscape​

The world of aerial warfare is in constant flux. Opting for 4.5-gen jets risks technological obsolescence by the time they are fully integrated. In contrast, 5th-gen platforms represent a long-term investment, ensuring the IAF remains a dominant force for decades. Investing now means staying ahead of the curve.

5th-Gen as a Catalyst for India's Indigenous Fighter Program​

Acquiring 5th-gen fighters not only boosts India's defence capabilities but can also accelerate the development of the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

Collaboration with foreign manufacturers during the acquisition process offers an invaluable opportunity to gain crucial technological know-how. This knowledge transfer can supercharge India's ability to produce its cutting-edge fighter jets, fostering self-reliance in the long run.

Keeping Pace with Regional Powers​

A strategic imperative for India is the fact that regional powers like China already deploy 5th-gen fighter jets. To maintain air superiority and deter potential aggression, India needs to match or exceed these capabilities.

A fleet of 4.5-gen jets would leave India at a disadvantage in a high-tech conflict, especially alongside the IAF's upcoming induction of capable 4.5-gen jets like the Tejas Mk II and Mk 1A.

Managing the Costs of Progress​

Undoubtedly, 5th-gen jets come with a higher upfront cost and more complex maintenance needs. However, these must be weighed against the potential consequences of falling behind in aerial technology.

Strategic partnerships with leading aerospace companies can help manage these costs and ensure a smooth and sustainable acquisition process.

The Choice for India's Future​

The MRFA program offers a quick solution, but a short-term one. By acquiring 5th-gen fighters, India makes a strategic choice to secure its skies for the long haul, deter aggression, and boost its journey to self-reliance in fighter jet production.

While the path might be slightly more complex, the rewards are far greater. The time for India to invest in true air dominance is now!

 

[Pink Panther]

Absolutely, seems somebody finally sat under the Bodhi tree and got the enlightenment, it took this long for them, this is what everybody is telling, why waste $30-$40Bln to buy 114 fourth gen foreign aircrafts, invest 1/6th of that money and make 250 MK2’s and invest the rest on AMCA either make it independently or with foreign collaboration.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

The author is making it as if Fifth generation aircraft are some revolutionary leap of technology above over the Fourth generation aircrafts.

When the fact is, 5th gen aircrafts are an evolutionary upgrade over 4th gen aircrafts.

We are not at a stage where we would compete with China in sheer numbers of aircraft in PLAAF inventory. Irrespective of generation. China is an industrial powerhouse and we are currently nowhere near their scale.

Rather, we should focus on building an aeronautical ecosystem instead which will help us pick the shovel when time is ripe. As our won industry will pick up pace, we will be able to have the PLAAF beat in both quantity and quality of our hardware.

 

[Deepak Hegde]

Looks like the author smoked really powerful stuff ! Does not even realize a simple truth that MRFA is for real, planes which fly rather the 5th gen AMCA which is no more than a pipe dream and can take anywhere from 3-5 decades to come to fruction !!

 

[sanket]

Right MRFA should allow Entry of 5th Gen Stealth Fighters along with 4.5 Gen Thats what i was saying US can offer F-35 Instead of F-15 Ex while Russia may offer Su-57 . Instead of Su-35 Let the competition become hot .

 

[Akshat]

Absolutely, seems somebody finally sat under the Bodhi tree and got the enlightenment, it took this long for them, this is what everybody is telling, why waste $30-$40Bln to buy 114 fourth gen foreign aircrafts, invest 1/6th of that money and make 250 MK2’s and invest the rest on AMCA either make it independently or with foreign collaboration.

We spent 6.5 billion dollars for just 73 Mk1A (+10 trainers) and some Einstein thinks we can make 250 Mk2 for 5 billion dollars. 🤣🤣Amazing mathematical skills bro.

 

[Anant]

Right MRFA should allow Entry of 5th Gen Stealth Fighters along with 4.5 Gen Thats what i was saying US can offer F-35 Instead of F-15 Ex while Russia may offer Su-57 . Instead of Su-35 Let the competition become hot .

Firstly, the US won't offer the F-35 to India for three reasons:
a. India operates the S-400, and offering the F-35 to India without India retiring or relocating the S-400 would mean the US would be in a tight spot with nations such as Tharki.
b. The US has said F-35s would be on offer in the future contingent on India first developing 'maintenance and operational experience' with American jets. A flimsy argument, admittedly, but they are sticking to it.
c. In a tender, you offer what is asked what. You don't offer something that surpasses the requirements.

 

[Anant]

A few points to consider:

1. 5th generation fighters are not some wonder weapon that are revolutionary improvements over 4.5th generation aircraft. They are merely an evolutionary development.

2. When going for stealth, 5th generation fighters bring their own set of compromises. They have lower payload generally, and one of the ways they are currently planned to be used in wars is to be used for air superiority and as guiding beacons for munitions launched from stand-off ranges by 4th and 4.5th generation aircraft. 5th generation fighters are not planned to be used in massive numbers for attacks, since a very large number of small RCS signatures still spoils the surprise.

3. The necessity of MRFA is not qualitative or technological. It is quantitative. The IAF is staring at a massive block obsolescence problem in the 2030s, and we are already 12-14 squadrons (depending on if you count the ancient MiG-21) short. 6 squadrons under MRFA may not sound like much on the face of it, but having 6 modern fighter squadrons would allow for local production to keep up to the point where we can maintain a good force strength instead of having to end up keeping the Mirage 2000 and/or Jaguar and/or MiG-29 flying on past their retirement age.

4. We do not have the capabilities for mass production in the numbers that would be needed to fill in the numbers needed. Regardless of whatever lofty promises HAL keeps making every now and then, they haven't delivered yet. As their promises get ever loftier, delivery will fall even more behind. The best case scenario for now is that the 83 Tejas Mk 1A order would be completed by 2030 or so, with the 97 aircraft order taking until 2038-39, since you would then have lines migrating over to the Tejas Mk 2 and AMCA.

5. Coming to indigenous projects, these are all running behind schedule. The Tejas Mk 2 was supposed to fly in 2022, but even if we forget that for a minute, HAL claims the aircraft will fly in late 2025 and enter service in 2029. Keeping that absurdity aside, the first flight would (more realistically) be in 2026-27, with an entry into service being 2032-34 at the earliest. AMCA is even further ahead, and 2040 is a realistic-ish timeline.

We need to be less believing of the bluster that HAL puts out every now and then and actually look at cold, hard numbers. MRFA will not be cheap, and anyone who says so is an idiot. Yes, we can get a larger number of aircraft for the same price if we go for indigenous aircraft (how many is another matter, but definitely more than 114). However, should we agree to the IAF ending up with a critical capability gap for the better part of 15-20 years for this? I think not.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Our forces are so much impressed with Rafales that they would prefer delaying AMCA for the sake of Rafales.

 

[Anant]

Our forces are so much impressed with Rafales that they would prefer delaying AMCA for the sake of Rafales.

No one is delaying AMCA, Sir. However, once you consider the developmental and subsequent production timelines, one conclusion is evident: MRFA is needed to boost numbers. Without it, the IAF may well not reach 35 squadrons, let alone 42, until 2040 or so, unless we pull another MiG-21 saga or two with the Jaguar / Mirage 2000 / MiG-29.

 

[Scooter2000]

The author is making it as if Fifth generation aircraft are some revolutionary leap of technology above over the Fourth generation aircrafts.

When the fact is, 5th gen aircrafts are an evolutionary upgrade over 4th gen aircrafts.

We are not at a stage where we would compete with China in sheer numbers of aircraft in PLAAF inventory. Irrespective of generation. China is an industrial powerhouse and we are currently nowhere near their scale.

Rather, we should focus on building an aeronautical ecosystem instead which will help us pick the shovel when time is ripe. As our won industry will pick up pace, we will be able to have the PLAAF beat in both quantity and quality of our hardware.

You must be kidding? As 5th Generation Fighters are more than a leap ahead of older 4th Generation Types. As a matter of fact, during air exercises they aren't beating them. They're totally "crushing" them....

 

[vamkris]

5th generation fighter jets not required immediately for India as pakistan doesn't have s400 .India cannot afford war with economically stronger china untill 2030 .so buy Rafael 4 or Mig31/35/eurofighter typhoon or f15E:36 fighter jets atleast to tackle pakistan and to support Taiwan

 

[Scooter2000]

Firstly, the US won't offer the F-35 to India for three reasons:
a. India operates the S-400, and offering the F-35 to India without India retiring or relocating the S-400 would mean the US would be in a tight spot with nations such as Tharki.
b. The US has said F-35s would be on offer in the future contingent on India first developing 'maintenance and operational experience' with American jets. A flimsy argument, admittedly, but they are sticking to it.
c. In a tender, you offer what is asked what. You don't offer something that surpasses the requirements.

I have no doubt that India and the US can find a solution to the S400 issue. My guess is sooner, or later India will acquire some F-35s. As she has very few options. The AMCA won't arrive before 2040 and that is assuming they have no delays, and they always have delays.

 

[vamkris]

Instead of MRFA invest on defence like iron dome of Israel for all borders of india and to every city in India and become equal with china economically by 2035 and then with AMCA 1 AMCA 2

 

[SK]

Serviceability rates are a huge problem with 5th Gen jets due to high MRO requirements for their Stealth-Coatings

If there is a new information about Serviceability of 5th Gen jets being improved them please share the link 🙏

Indian-Govt should encourage a JV b/w IAF & IN to invest in:-
(1) TEDBF (ORCA)
(2) AMCA

This will insure Logistical synergy & Economy of Scales for the Indian Military & Aerospace industries.

In case of IAF, ORCA will function as the Multi-role Air Superiority Aircraft for long range Non-Stealth Missions.

ORCA will also complement AMCA for long range Missions.

Tejas-MK-2 will be more suitable for Mid-t-shirt range Missions & insuring Indian Dominance throughout Indian-Subcontinent.

 

[Scooter2000]

Honestly, time has run out. A solution needs to be found and with great haste....

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

India needs a lot of things. The question is do we have funds and more importantly can it be developed or acquired within the specific time frame as needed by our Indian military.

 

[Baba Baati Baachur]

We spent 6.5 billion dollars for just 73 Mk1A (+10 trainers) and some Einstein thinks we can make 250 Mk2 for 5 billion dollars. 🤣🤣Amazing mathematical skills bro.

MOD had asked Imported AirForce to give their requirements for ORCA, Imported AirForce is not interested, because roti-daal is not something they like, they like readymade burgers for dinner. And then suffer stomach upset during war as the OEM stops supply of spare parts.

 

[Akshat]

MOD had asked Imported AirForce to give their requirements for ORCA, Imported AirForce is not interested, because roti-daal is not something they like, they like readymade burgers for dinner. And then suffer stomach upset during war as the OEM stops supply of spare parts.

No such requirements were ever solicited bro. I can bet that there has been no such official statement, right buddy? Not to mention, MRFA is an existential requirement. Tedbf’s schedule, let alone ORCA, simply won’t work. And forget ORCA etc. They have given Mk2’s requirements. HAL even said it will be rolled out by 2022. Almost as much time as Tejas but whatever. Where is it buddy?

 

[Akshat]

Our forces are so much impressed with Rafales that they would prefer delaying AMCA for the sake of Rafales.

Forget AMCA. Where is the mk2 for which payments have been made and roll out was promised in 2022?

 

[Anant]

I have no doubt that India and the US can find a solution to the S400 issue. My guess is sooner, or later India will acquire some F-35s. As she has very few options. The AMCA won't arrive before 2040 and that is assuming they have no delays, and they always have delays.

It's not impossible, but F-35s for India are highly unlikely unless something major changes. Some form of localisation arrangement may be necessary, but it's difficult to say. For instance, Greece has been under NATO commitments to keep their sole S-300 battery (which they acquired courtesy of Cyprus) on Crete only rather than the Greek mainland.

That said, the main sticking issues with any sale of the F-35 to India will be that the US will allow for practically no modifications, which might become a headache for India later on.

The only way I see this changing is if an American jet were to win MRFA (highly unlikely but not impossible) under the agreement that, say, 2 squadrons of those would be F-35s instead.

 

[shivkumar sinha]

Forget technology transfer for 5th generation fighters , the only real stealth fighters available with US are off the table for Bharat. Russian stealth fighter is a farce . What is option for Bharat to get stealth fighters except to develop indigenously ? This is correct approach to develop 4.5 generation Tejas Mark-2 and proceed towards AMCA. Even if we get engines or other components at reduced performance in comparison to F-35 ,it will be ok against our adversaries in the region.

 

[Pad UwU]

LMAO we been waiting AMCA for a decade and still needs more 1 decade for a total of 2 decades 😹😹😹

My cats beard and tail fur's is becoming gray waiting for our overspec overhype AMCA to fly against enemy of India 🙃

 

[Pad UwU]

Right MRFA should allow Entry of 5th Gen Stealth Fighters along with 4.5 Gen Thats what i was saying US can offer F-35 Instead of F-15 Ex while Russia may offer Su-57 . Instead of Su-35 Let the competition become hot .

F35 is just a fantasy for us LMAO 😹😹😹

 

[Sandeep]

LMAO we been waiting AMCA for a decade and still needs more 1 decade for a total of 2 decades 😹😹😹

My cats beard and tail fur's is becoming gray waiting for our overspec overhype AMCA to fly against enemy of India 🙃

The project only started around 8 years ago when we cancelled the joint deal with Russia. In the next few years we should develop a few prototype and to test the technology.