EXCLUSIVE: New IAF Chief may opt for phased acquisition of 72 Rafale F4 and F5 fighters in two phases, from France amid MRFA tender uncertainty
Source : IgMp Bureau



A recent media report suggests that a potential compromise on the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender could soon be in the works.
While the previous Air Chief advocated for the acquisition of the full 114 fighter jets under the MRFA program, the new Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief is reportedly more open to an alternative strategy. This plan involves a government-to-government deal to procure 36 Rafale F4 variant fighters directly from France, with an option to purchase an additional 36 Super Rafale F5 jets in a second phase.
This phased procurement approach is expected to provide an immediate boost to the IAF's combat capabilities while ensuring that India’s indigenous fighter programs, such as the Tejas Mk2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), continue to develop.
This two-stage acquisition strategy was first proposed by the late Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, and former Air Chief Marshall RKS Bhadauria. Both believed that acquiring fighters in batches would avoid potential drawbacks of large-scale procurement.
The concept aligns with earlier recommendations from the late General Bipin Rawat and former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. They emphasized that buying all 114 jets in one go could place undue financial strain on India's defense budget and limit funding for other critical defense projects.
A phased Rafale procurement would enable the IAF to benefit from the latest upgrades and technological advancements in each batch. Acquiring the entire fleet in one bulk purchase, as originally planned under the MRFA tender, could result in outdated technology by the time all jets are delivered. Phasing the purchase allows for the integration of cutting-edge avionics, sensors, and weaponry with each successive delivery, ensuring India’s air fleet remains modern and relevant.
General Bipin Rawat had advocated for a staggered procurement strategy during his tenure, stressing that it would ease financial pressure and avoid locking the IAF into outdated systems. According to Rawat, it is crucial for India to prioritize upgrading its current squadrons while expanding its fleet gradually, ensuring new acquisitions reflect the latest technological advances.
Former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was also vocal about the financial challenges posed by the MRFA tender, which would require approximately $20 billion to acquire 114 fighter jets in one large order. Parrikar argued that committing such a large sum to a single program could delay or jeopardize other high-priority defense initiatives. India's defense budget must accommodate numerous competing needs, including modernizing the Army and Navy, enhancing cyber defense capabilities, and investing in indigenous platforms as part of the “Make in India” initiative.
Another concern surrounding the MRFA tender is its potential impact on India’s indigenous fighter programs, particularly the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). India has made significant investments in these projects, and diverting substantial resources to the MRFA could slow their progress. By adopting a phased approach to Rafale procurement, India can strike a balance between foreign acquisitions and continued investment in domestic platforms.
The phased acquisition of Rafale jets offers a pragmatic solution to both the IAF’s immediate needs and India’s long-term defense goals. This approach addresses the pressing need to modernize the IAF’s combat fleet without placing excessive strain on the defense budget. It also provides flexibility in procurement, allowing each batch of jets to be equipped with the latest technology, ensuring that India's defense capabilities remain at the forefront.
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