All Eyes On MRFA 3.0
IAF 114 MRFA Procurement Back on Table after Delay in Tejas Production and dwindling fighter strength of the IAF
The IAF ambitious plan to acquire 4.5 generation 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) is finally nearing a crucial stage. As government hints for an “open tender” for IAF’s mega 114 MRFA deal to avoid political controversy.
Key Contenders:
▪︎ Lockheed Martin’s F-21
▪︎ Boeing’s F/A-18 E/F
▪︎ Boeing F-15 EX
▪︎ Dassault’s Rafale
▪︎ Eurofighter Typhoon
▪︎ SAAB Gripen
▪︎ Mikoyan MiG-35
▪︎ Sukhoi Su-35
▪︎ Possible contender Sukhoi Su-57
The IAF is expected to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to interested vendors and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) by mid 2025 or early 2026, with first fighter selected might not come before 4-5 years of agreement, even indigenous production of the same could further extend the timeline by a decade or less.
The final winner is likely to be announced by late 2026. However, the deal’s conclusion hinges on negotiation rounds regarding price and Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreements, and opening of Assembly line in India.
Due to packed schedule of Dassault for Manufacturing Rafale fighter, which was initial winner of earstwhile MMRCA programme, it would take at least 10 years for the French firm to supply Rafale fighter if chosen due to the huge global order book from different countries.
The Indian Air Force acquired 36 Rafales under a direct government-to-government deal in 2016. The IAF has around 30 squadrons of fighter aircraft and many of its aircraft including the Jaguars, Mirage-2000 and MiG-29 are set to retire in the next five to seven years. The remaining MiG-21 are also set to be phased out in the next few months.
The reopening of MRFA programme which was earstwhile MRCA/MMRCA tender, was a competition to supply 126 multi-role combat aircraft to the IAF. The Defence Ministry had allocated ₹55,000 crore (US$6.6 billion) at 2007-2008 prices for the purchase of these aircrafts.
Reopening the same tender after 17 years of initiation put a significant spotlight on India’s lack of strategic timeline to maintain frontline fighter fleet and complex procurement procedures.
