SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant statement that could shape the future of the Indian Air Force’s procurement strategy, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the newly appointed Chief of Air Staff, suggested that the aircraft selected under the much-anticipated Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 114 jets should follow the “Jaguar model.” This model refers to the autonomy the Indian Air Force (IAF) has enjoyed in upgrading its fleet of SEPECAT Jaguar jets without relying on assistance from the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), a feature that has allowed the IAF to enhance the aircraft’s capabilities through multiple phases of indigenous upgrades.
The Jaguar has been a cornerstone of the IAF’s operational capability for decades, undergoing numerous upgrades that extended its service life and enhanced its combat effectiveness. When the Jaguars first joined the IAF, they went through several rounds of upgrades, all carried out by Indian engineers, particularly through the efforts of the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), without the need for external intervention from the OEM. These phases of upgrades culminated in major programs like the Darin-I and Darin-II standards, which significantly boosted the aircraft’s operational capabilities by incorporating indigenously developed technologies.
The most recent upgrade, the Darin-III, made history by integrating an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar into the Jaguar fleet, making the IAF the first air force to equip a legacy fighter with such an advanced radar system. Additionally, the Darin-III upgrade introduced Indian-made mission computers and sensor systems, along with the integration of modern weaponry like the ASRAAM air-to-air missile and the Rampage air-to-surface missile—all achieved without relying on support from the aircraft’s OEM.
The MRFA tender is one of India’s most significant defense acquisition programs, seeking to procure 114 multi-role fighter jets to bolster the IAF’s combat capabilities. Air Chief Marshal Singh’s reference to the “Jaguar model” signals that the Indian Air Force is looking for a partner who can not only deliver the aircraft but also grant India full access to the jet’s source codes, mission systems, and radar integration capabilities. This would allow the IAF to locally upgrade and enhance the aircraft’s operational performance over the next several decades, without needing to rely on the OEM for future modifications.
This level of autonomy would enable India to integrate its own radars, mission computers, and sensors, ensuring that the aircraft remains at the cutting edge of technology while adhering to India’s broader goal of defense self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Such an approach would drastically reduce long-term dependency on foreign OEMs and their supply chains, which can often be affected by geopolitical constraints.
Air Chief Marshal Singh’s statement also highlights a potential area of concern for many OEMs vying for the MRFA contract. Traditionally, aircraft manufacturers rely on future upgrades, maintenance, and modernization programs as a steady revenue stream long after the initial sale. By taking control of the aircraft’s future upgrades, the IAF would negate the need for OEM involvement in many lucrative post-sale services, potentially disrupting a long-standing business model in the aerospace industry.
Given that fighter jets typically remain in service for 40 years or more, the lifecycle support, including modernization and upgrades, is a significant source of revenue for aircraft manufacturers. The “Jaguar model” suggests that the IAF intends to retain this capability in-house, potentially diminishing OEMs’ profits from the project.
By emphasizing self-reliance in upgrades, Air Chief Marshal Singh is signaling a shift in the way the IAF intends to manage its fighter fleet. Whichever OEM is selected to fulfill the MRFA tender must be prepared to hand over source codes and integrate Indian-made systems into the aircraft. This requirement may narrow the field of contenders, as not all manufacturers may be willing to provide such access. Those that do, however, will be helping India take a significant step toward full autonomy in managing, upgrading, and maintaining its air force.
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