SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Airbus, in collaboration with the Federal Republic of Germany, is preparing to field the advanced Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 5 for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. This tender, anticipated to be issued by mid-2025, aims to procure 110 modern fighter jets to bolster India’s air combat capabilities.
The Eurofighter Typhoon proposal is a joint effort involving the Eurofighter consortium nations, with key industrial partners Leonardo and BAE Systems playing significant roles. During India’s Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition in 2012, the Typhoon cleared all technical evaluation rounds but was ultimately outpriced by the Dassault Rafale, which emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) and secured the deal.
This time, Airbus and its partners are bringing the latest Tranche 5 version of the Typhoon, incorporating state-of-the-art technology upgrades to meet the IAF’s operational requirements. The Tranche 5 model boasts enhanced avionics, improved survivability, expanded multi-role capabilities, and increased compatibility with advanced weapon systems.
While Airbus has not officially announced a production partner in India for the MRFA program, sources have indicated a willingness to collaborate with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This move could align with India’s “Make in India” initiative, which emphasizes domestic manufacturing and technology transfer as prerequisites for major defence contracts.
A significant aspect of the MRFA tender will likely be the cost factor. Airbus believes the Eurofighter Typhoon has a strong chance of emerging as the most cost-effective option in this competition, citing the recent rise in the Dassault Rafale’s price. If the tender evolves into a price-sensitive contest, Airbus expects to have a distinct edge over its French competitor.
The MRFA tender is expected to draw intense competition, with contenders likely including the Dassault Rafale, Boeing F-15EX and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin’s F-21 (a customized variant of the F-16), Saab Gripen E, and Sukhoi Su-35. Each contender will vie for the lucrative deal, which represents a substantial opportunity to secure a pivotal role in India’s defence modernization plans.
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