SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
Indian defense experts are urging the government to prioritize developing its own fighter jets instead of locally manufacturing foreign aircraft under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. Ranesh Rajan, a prominent analyst, spoke to idrw.org, highlighting the critical need for an Indian alternative to the French Rafale fighter jet, which the Indian Air Force (IAF) desires.
Rajan argues that simply manufacturing foreign jets under license, like the Rafale, offers minimal benefits to the Indian aerospace industry. “Local manufacturing of any foreign fighter jets under the MRFA tender will not teach Indian Industry anything,” he asserts.
India stands at a crossroads in fighter jet development. They’ve successfully developed the 4.5 generation Tejas Mk1A and are progressing on the MkII, a larger variant that will solidify their position among elite jet-producing nations. Additionally, India’s ambitious AMCA program for a 5th generation fighter jet promises to place them alongside a handful of countries with such advanced technology.
Rajan emphasizes that the Rafale’s Transfer of Technology (ToT) won’t significantly enhance India’s domestic fighter jet production capabilities. He points out that the AMCA program will involve a Private Sector Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) who will foster the necessary ecosystem for future indigenous development – something that the tightly controlled Rafale production under Dassault won’t achieve.
The experts propose a similar approach for the TEDBF program (Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter). Instead of acquiring foreign jets, they suggest modifying the TEDBF platform, developed by India, into an Air Force variant rivalling or surpassing the Rafale’s capabilities. This “ORCA” ( Omni Role Combat Aircraft ) or TEDBF derivative, emerging from India at a lower cost, could compete with international offerings like the KF-21 Block I and Rafale F4.
Investing $25 billion in Rafales would primarily benefit Dassault, not Indian companies. Rajan stresses the importance of prioritizing indigenous development for India’s long-term strategic and economic interests.
While the IAF desires the Rafale, experts advocate for fostering a robust domestic industry by pursuing indigenous alternatives and leveraging programs like AMCA and a modified TEDBF. The decision will significantly influence India’s position in the global aerospace market and its self-reliance in fighter jet technology.
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