Eurofighter challenges Dassault in the MRFA tender; Agrees to share Jet source codes for upgrades and increasing production rate in India
The Eurofighter Typhoon consortium has stepped up its efforts to win the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) lucrative contract for 114 fighter jets under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) initiative. The consortium has raised concerns with the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) about Dassault Aviation’s ability to meet India’s pricing expectations and delivery timelines for its Rafale jets, which are also in contention for the MRFA program.
According to sources within the MoD, Dassault is encountering difficulties in increasing its production capacity for Rafale jets at its facility in France. The French company is expected to achieve a production rate of only 24 jets annually by 2025, leading to skepticism regarding its ability to meet India’s stringent delivery schedule. Furthermore, Dassault’s intentions to set up a new production facility in India have been met with complications, as the company is reportedly insisting on full control over its Indian plant— a requirement that may not align with India’s objectives for technology transfer and local collaboration under the “Make in India” initiative.
Dassault has indicated to the MoD that the output from its Indian facility would likely be limited to just 12 jets per year. Consequently, it could take as long as nine years to fulfill the entire order of 114 aircraft, a timeline that may be unacceptable in light of India’s urgent need for additional combat aircraft to strengthen its aerial capabilities.
Recent statements from Dassault have suggested that it might take up to eight years to replace the current RBE2 Active Phased Array Radar (RBE2 AESA) on Rafale jets with India’s domestically developed Uttam AESA radar, raising alarms about the pace of French aerospace initiatives. This announcement has resurrected memories of the extended Mirage-2000 upgrade program, which also experienced delays and cost overruns.
The Mirage-2000 upgrade, which involved enhancing the aircraft’s avionics, radar, and weapon systems, took significantly longer than initially expected. Experts, including Rajan, noted that the high expenses and prolonged timeline of the Mirage-2000 modernization highlight a recurring issue that could carry over to other Dassault projects, including the Rafale.
According to defense analysts, this track record raises concerns regarding India’s future plans, particularly in the context of the IAF’s Medium Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 114 jets, where the Rafale F4 is a primary contender. Analysts have cautioned that prolonged timelines and reliance on French technology could restrict India’s operational flexibility and lead to increased costs in the long term.
Experts believe that India’s best approach lies in gaining greater autonomy over its aircraft systems, especially concerning mission computers and radar systems. They emphasize that for the MRFA tender, India should demand the source code of the aircraft's systems or consider replacing essential components, such as the radar, with indigenous alternatives like the Uttam AESA radar, as previously articulated by the current Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
They argue that such a strategy is crucial to prevent ongoing costs and delays in upgrading the jets to accommodate India’s expanding inventory of indigenous weapons. Should India proceed with acquiring the Rafale F4 jets for the MRFA tender, it is imperative that the mission computers and radar systems are either fully under Indian control or designed to integrate Indian weapons independently of Dassault, experts assert.
In contrast to Dassault's slow progress regarding Rafale deliveries and service, the Eurofighter Typhoon consortium has assured Indian officials that it can escalate production to 24 aircraft per year. The consortium has highlighted that its jets will be available at a lower cost compared to the Rafale, potentially offering a more economical and timely solution for India. While the Eurofighter Typhoon has not yet confirmed its Indian production partner, discussions are reportedly underway with a leading private sector company in India. The consortium is also open to establishing its own manufacturing facility in the country, pending necessary approvals.
Moreover, the Eurofighter Consortium has agreed to share the aircraft’s source codes with India, enabling the country to upgrade the jets with its own weapons, sensors, and electronic warfare systems. This offer significantly enhances Eurofighter Typhoon's prospects in the MRFA tender, even though the Rafale has the advantage of established infrastructure due to the 36 operational Rafale aircraft already in the IAF.
This new development introduces a fresh dimension to the MRFA competition, which has drawn major global defense players. Dassault’s Rafale jets are seen as formidable contenders, particularly since the IAF already operates 36 Rafale aircraft, but the Eurofighter Typhoon consortium is positioning itself as a more cost-effective, flexible, and reliable alternative.
The MRFA tender is vital for the IAF, which is aiming to modernize its fleet and replace aging fighter jets. The contract, valued in the billions, demands significant local production and technology transfer as part of India’s initiative to bolster its defense industrial base.
With the Eurofighter Consortium’s offers for their Typhoon Tranche-5 jet, it cannot be definitively stated that Dassault Rafale is the clear winner at this point. If Dassault Aviation refuses to share the source code of the Rafale aircraft, the Eurofighter may very well secure this long-awaited and substantial order in the global defense aerospace market.
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