SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) ambitious plan to acquire 114 new fighter jets through the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program faces a significant hurdle: global supply chain disruptions. This critical issue is impacting the production rates of existing fighter jets and affecting the availability of engines that power them.
International aerospace companies are grappling with a shortage of special alloys, a key component in fighter jet manufacturing. This shortage has led to production slowdowns for current fighter jet programs, potentially impacting timelines for the MRFA tender.
The IAF is expected to announce the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the MRFA tender later this year, followed by the Request for Proposal (RFP) later in the year.
A crucial aspect of the RFP will be a guaranteed delivery schedule from participating companies.
To address its dwindling fighter squadron strength, the IAF is taking a tough stance. The proposed tender will include stringent delivery schedules with financial penalties for non-compliance. This is a significant shift, as the IAF hasn’t imposed such penalties on Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the past.
Under the proposed terms, the first fully flyaway jet needs to be delivered within three years of signing the contract. The IAF expects at least 14 units to be delivered directly by the OEM, with the remaining jets to be manufactured in India.
The production rate to be demanded by the IAF is also ambitious. Initial expectations call for 8-10 aircraft per year, ramping up to a staggering 20-24 units annually by the fifth year. However, setting up a local production line will take at least three years.
The IAF’s goal is to receive all 114 jets within six years of the first delivery. While this timeline reflects their urgency, informed sources close to idrw.org believe it might be too demanding for many potential bidders.
The IAF’s push for increased indigenous content in these jets and the development of a robust domestic supply chain pose additional challenges. Private sector companies are unlikely to be able to deliver these components within the next 4-5 years.
The IAF’s desire for a rapid delivery schedule and a strong domestic manufacturing ecosystem is understandable. However, the current global supply chain constraints and the time required to develop indigenous capabilities create a complex situation. The success of the MRFA program will depend on the IAF finding a balance between its needs and the feasibility of meeting those needs within the proposed timeframe. Negotiations with potential bidders will be crucial in finding a solution that strengthens the IAF while remaining commercially viable for participating companies.
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