SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
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A high-level committee tasked with evaluating the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fighter jet acquisition strategy is reportedly considering repeat orders for 36 Dassault Rafale jets as an interim measure. This comes as a temporary solution before the long-awaited Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program gains final approval.
The idea of additional Rafale purchases has been floated before. The late Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat had advocated for batch orders to address the IAF’s immediate needs, a sentiment echoed by former IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria. However, this approach faced resistance from his successor, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, who believed that limited acquisitions might delay or undermine the MRFA program.
The current IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, appears more open to the proposal. Sources informed idrw.org that he supports the move, which could bolster the IAF’s combat strength without disrupting longer-term plans for MRFA.
The additional Rafales, if approved, will be procured in the F4 configuration, an upgraded variant with significant improvements over the F3R standard previously acquired by the IAF. The acquisition of an additional 36 Rafales would bring the IAF’s total fleet to 72 aircraft within the next 4–5 years. This would significantly enhance the IAF’s operational readiness, particularly in the context of evolving threats in the region.
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