IAF Chief Amar Preet Singh advocates 'Jaguar Model' for MRFA Deal, Emphasizes Future Upgrades without Foreign Aid in India
In a pivotal announcement that may reshape the Indian Air Force’s future procurement approach, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the new Chief of Air Staff, proposed that the aircraft chosen for the upcoming Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) contract for 114 jets should adopt the "Jaguar model." This refers to the Indian Air Force's (IAF) self-reliance in upgrading its SEPECAT Jaguar jets without needing assistance from the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This independence allowed the IAF to enhance the Jaguar's capabilities with multiple indigenous upgrades over the years.
The Jaguar has long been a vital asset to the IAF, receiving numerous upgrades that extended its operational life and enhanced its combat performance. From the time the Jaguar entered service with the IAF, it underwent several rounds of upgrades, all spearheaded by Indian engineers, specifically through the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), without any external support from the OEM. These upgrades culminated in major programs like the Darin-I and Darin-II standards, which improved the aircraft’s capabilities using locally developed technology.
One of the most notable upgrades, the Darin-III, broke new ground by integrating Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar into the Jaguar fleet, making the IAF the first in the world to equip a legacy fighter with such advanced radar. The Darin-III program also added Indian-built mission computers, sensor systems, and integrated modern weaponry like the ASRAAM air-to-air missile and the Rampage air-to-surface missile, all achieved without OEM involvement.
The MRFA project is a major defense acquisition for India, seeking 114 multi-role fighter jets to enhance the IAF’s combat power. Air Chief Marshal Singh’s endorsement of the "Jaguar model" signals that the IAF seeks not just an aircraft supplier, but a partner willing to provide full access to the jet’s source codes, mission systems, and radar integration. This would enable the IAF to locally upgrade and modernize the aircraft's systems over the years, without having to rely on the OEM for future improvements.
This approach would allow India to incorporate its own radars, mission computers, and sensors into the jets, ensuring the fleet stays technologically advanced while aligning with the country's Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative. By doing so, India could significantly reduce its long-term dependence on foreign OEMs and their supply chains, which are often vulnerable to global political shifts.
However, this proposal may present challenges for the OEMs competing for the MRFA contract. Traditionally, aircraft manufacturers rely on future upgrades, maintenance, and modernization efforts as a source of revenue long after the initial sale. The IAF's plan to take control of these upgrades would minimize the OEMs' role in post-sale services, potentially altering the typical business model of the aerospace industry.
Since fighter jets often serve for more than 40 years, lifecycle support—covering modernization and upgrades—is a crucial income stream for aircraft manufacturers. The "Jaguar model" implies that the IAF plans to handle these aspects in-house, which could reduce OEM profits in the long term.
By emphasizing domestic control over upgrades, Air Chief Marshal Singh has signaled a shift in how the IAF plans to manage its fighter fleet. Any OEM bidding for the MRFA tender will need to be prepared to transfer source codes and allow the integration of Indian systems into the aircraft. This requirement might limit the pool of contenders, as some manufacturers may be unwilling to provide such access. Those that do agree, however, will be assisting India in achieving greater autonomy in the management, upgrading, and maintenance of its air force.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced or no information from this article should be used without written permission of theigmp.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copyright strikes, if we find same informations or the entire article without our permission, we will take necessary action.
No comments: