SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Eurofighter Typhoon consortium has quietly intensified its campaign to secure the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) lucrative tender for 114 fighter jets under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program. The consortium has reportedly raised concerns with the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) regarding Dassault Aviation’s ability to meet India’s price expectations and delivery timelines for its Rafale jets, which are also competing in the MRFA program.
According to MoD sources cited by idrw.org, Dassault has been facing difficulties scaling up its production of Rafale jets at its facility in France. The French company is expected to reach a production rate of only 24 jets annually by 2025, leading to questions about whether Dassault can meet the stringent delivery schedule outlined by India. Furthermore, Dassault’s plans to produce Rafale jets at a new facility in India face complications. The company reportedly insists on full control over its Indian production plant, a condition that may not align with India’s expectations for technology transfer and local partnership under the “Make in India” initiative.
Dassault has also informed the MoD that production from its Indian plant would likely result in an annual output of only 12 jets. This means it could take up to nine years to complete deliveries of the full 114 aircraft, a timeline that may not be acceptable given India’s pressing need for additional combat aircraft to bolster its air capabilities.
In contrast, the Eurofighter Typhoon consortium has assured Indian authorities that it can ramp up production to 24 aircraft per year. The consortium has emphasized that its jets will be available at a lower cost compared to the Rafale, potentially offering a more affordable and timely solution for India. While the Eurofighter Typhoon has not yet finalized its Indian production partner, the consortium is reportedly in talks with a prominent private sector company in India. It is also open to establishing its own manufacturing facility in the country if granted the necessary permissions.
This development adds a new dimension to the MRFA competition, which has already attracted major global defense players. Dassault’s Rafale jets are considered a strong contender, especially since the IAF already operates 36 Rafale aircraft, but the Eurofighter Typhoon consortium is positioning itself as a more cost-effective and flexible alternative.
The MRFA tender is crucial for the IAF, which is seeking to modernize its fleet and replace aging fighter jets. The contract, estimated to be worth billions, requires significant local production and technology transfer as part of India’s efforts to enhance its defense industrial base.
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