SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
In a recent discussion on The Gaurav Arya Podcast, Air Marshal Anil Khosla, former Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), emphasized the need for a phased procurement approach for Rafale fighter jets rather than purchasing them in bulk under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. This suggestion aligns with previous recommendations from former Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, both of whom highlighted the financial strain and opportunity costs that a bulk procurement could impose on other critical defense programs.
Khosla’s rationale for phased acquisition revolves around the rapid evolution of fighter jet technology. A staggered purchase of Rafales would allow the IAF to benefit from upgrades and newer systems integrated into each batch, keeping India’s fleet at the cutting edge. He noted that buying all 114 jets in one go, as proposed in the MRFA tender, could lead to outdated technology by the time the entire fleet is delivered. By splitting the procurement into phases, the IAF can integrate the latest avionics, sensors, and weaponry with each successive batch of Rafales, ensuring the fleet remains modern and relevant for longer.
General Bipin Rawat had also echoed similar sentiments during his tenure, urging that a staggered procurement strategy would ease the financial burden and prevent the IAF from being locked into older technology. According to Rawat, India must prioritize upgrading its existing squadrons and only gradually expand its fleet, ensuring that future acquisitions reflect the latest advancements in fighter technology.
Former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had been vocal about the financial challenges posed by the MRFA tender, which would allocate nearly $20 billion for the acquisition of 114 fighter jets in a single go. Parrikar pointed out that committing such a large sum to one program could result in other high-priority defense projects being delayed or even shelved. India’s defense budget has numerous competing priorities, including modernizing its Army and Navy, strengthening its cyber capabilities, and investing in indigenous platforms under the “Make in India” initiative.
A report by idrw.org suggests that the new Air Chief may be open to a phased procurement strategy, possibly forgoing the MRFA tender in favor of additional Rafales. This interim solution could see India continuing its partnership with Dassault Aviation, building on the momentum of its first Rafale deal, which has already significantly enhanced the IAF’s operational capabilities. With Rafales having demonstrated their strategic importance in exercises and operations, adding more to the fleet may be a more practical solution than waiting for the MRFA deal, which could take upwards of five years to materialize.
This approach could also circumvent the lengthy procurement process associated with the MRFA tender. Given the multiple stages of bureaucratic approvals, budget allocations, and international negotiations, the MRFA process is likely to be slow. By opting for an interim procurement, the IAF could address its immediate operational requirements, while simultaneously planning for future fighter jet acquisitions in a more flexible and dynamic manner.
One of the key concerns with the MRFA tender is its potential impact on India’s indigenous fighter programs, particularly the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). India has invested heavily in these projects, and diverting significant resources to the MRFA could slow their development and production. By opting for phased Rafale procurement, India can balance its foreign acquisitions with continued investment in its indigenous platforms.
The phased procurement of Rafale jets offers a pragmatic solution to India’s immediate and long-term defense needs. It addresses the concerns of modernizing the IAF’s combat fleet while avoiding the financial strain of committing to a massive upfront purchase. This strategy also allows India to maintain flexibility in its defense procurement, ensuring that each batch of jets is equipped with the latest technology.
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