Govt of India considers Open Tender for IAF's MRFA Acquisition to avoid controversy like previous Rafale purchase; To prefer any firm that meets tender requirements and faster delivery
The Indian Government is backing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) proposal to procure 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), with plans to pursue an open tender process to avoid controversy and ensure transparency. According to officials, this approach would also align with the "Make in India" initiative, as the selected aircraft must be manufactured domestically.
The IAF is in urgent need of additional 4.5 generation fighter jets to bolster its fleet, as it faces shortages of advanced aircraft. This MRFA acquisition is crucial for maintaining operational readiness, especially given the impending retirement of several aircraft, including Jaguars, Mirage-2000s, MiG-29s, and MiG-21s within the next few years.
Previously, in 2016, the government acquired 36 Rafale jets through an emergency procurement to address immediate needs. However, the Rafale deal drew controversy, eventually reaching the Supreme Court, where sensitive national security details were publicly discussed. In light of this experience, the Government aims to avoid a similar situation by opting for a competitive, open tender this time around.
When asked about the possibility of acquiring more Rafales, sources noted that the French manufacturer is facing a full production schedule, meaning it would take up to 10 years to deliver additional aircraft to India. This backlog opens the door for other manufacturers to participate in a competitive bidding process.
Under the multi-vendor tender approach, any manufacturer capable of meeting technical and delivery requirements could be considered. The Government hopes that this process will foster healthy competition and ensure fair selection, reducing the risk of preferential treatment or disputes.
As a result, it’s becoming more likely that the IAF will look beyond the Rafale, potentially considering options like the Eurofighter Typhoon and other advanced fighters that could meet the service's needs. The government is reportedly aware of the IAF’s pressing need for modern jets, and a decision is expected soon.
The Rafale acquisition in 2016 was part of a direct Government-to-Government deal, initially selected under an earlier multi-role medium combat aircraft program. Allegations of corruption from opposition parties sparked intense controversy around the deal. Today, with around 30 active squadrons, the IAF is facing a capability gap as aging jets approach retirement, and the need for an advanced aircraft capable of handling threats on both northern and western borders is greater than ever.
While the MRFA tender initially emphasized 4.5 generation fighters, the Government’s latest stance leaves the door open for 5th generation stealth options if they meet the delivery timeline, Make in India criteria, and overall project requirements. Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57M, for instance, may enter the competition if the country is willing, which could shift the dynamics of the bidding in its favor. Other advanced jets, such as the F-35 and Korea's KF-21, might also express interest in this tender, one of the largest military aerospace orders globally.
The Indian Government’s transparent approach to the MRFA project could transform this acquisition into a milestone for India’s defense sector. By inviting both 4.5 and 5th generation aircraft to compete, India is laying the groundwork for a major expansion in its aerial defense capabilities, while also supporting the domestic aerospace industry under the Make in India initiative.
The IAF is currently at 30 fighter squadrons as against the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons and is banking on accelerated deliveries of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) variants and early conclusion and induction of the MRFA. The LCA-MK1A, 83 of which have been contracted and order for 97 more is in the pipeline, has been delayed. A larger and more capable LCA-MK2 is under development and is supposed to do its first flight next year October, with December 2027 to be end of research and development for LCA-Mk2. “If these timelines are met and the MRFA is signed parallelly we are OK. We are not badly off. But if these timelines are pushed, then we need to look at alternatives,” the Air Chief had stated.
In October 2022, then IAF chief ACM V. R. Chaudhari conceded that even with the LCA-Mk1A, LCA-Mk2 and the MRFA “we will still be at 35-36 (squadrons) by middle of next decade.
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