Source : Defence News
French Dassault Rafale inching closer to winning the ultimate deal of 114 MRFA jets of IAF
The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) long-pending requirement for 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) is likely to be closing in for a resolution, with the Dassault Aviation emerging as the strongest contender. Recent developments around the world, growing defence and strategic ties between India and France have positioned the Rafale as the favorite choice for the IAF’s MRFA which it has been for a long time.
Military veterans and Industry officials have said that with the Indian Navy’s order for 26 Rafale Marine, the total inventory of Rafale variants in India will reach 62 and increase this number further to meet the Indian Air Force’s requirement for 114 MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) would make operational, commercial and logistical sense, this move would not only expedite fighter jet inductions but will also reduce costs through an existing maintenance and overhaul facility at Ambala Air Force station.
Dassault Aviation is in advanced negotiations to acquire a complete stake in the joint venture Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) that will help Dassault to meet the offset obligations for the MRFA procurement.
As the MRFA tender is marching towards Govt’s in principal approval, Dassault Aviation with its Rafale jet, has a clear advantage over other participants. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has raised concerns about going for a Russian fighter type, and other Western options present a significant logistical challenge or have been previously rejected by the IAF.
Both the IAF and IN have acknowledged the operational flexibility of Rafale, positioning it as a clear favorite. The experience gained in training Rafale pilots and setting up infrastructure to maintain the fleet of 36 operational jets, should not be wasted at any cost, and if India is serious about going for 114 MRFA then it should be Rafale, nothing else as the jet has already proved itself and the clear favorite for Indian Air Force. French Dassault Rafale inching closer to winning the ultimate deal of 114 MRFA jets of IAF French Dassault Rafale inching closer to winning the ultimate deal of 114 MRFA jets of IAF French Dassault Rafale inching closer to winning the ultimate deal of 114 MRFA jets of IAF IgMp
