SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is vying for a central role in the upcoming Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program. The company aims to participate in the manufacturing of whichever fighter jet is ultimately selected through the tender process.
This stance puts HAL at odds with some Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) advocating for setting up their independent production facilities in India. Notably, Dassault Aviation of France, frontrunners with their Rafale jets, and Saab of Sweden reportedly want complete control over local manufacturing through their Indian subsidiaries, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL) and Saab India, respectively.
While the Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) later this year, HAL is already strategizing partnerships with potential OEMs. Boeing, offering its F-15EX and F/A-18 jets, has hinted at collaboration with HAL. Similarly, Russia’s Rostec, with their MiG-35 and Su-35 offerings, has also shown a preference for working with HAL over private Indian companies. Lockheed Martin, presenting the F-21 derived from the F-16, is planning to partner with Tata Aerospace Systems.
The situation becomes particularly interesting with Dassault. Though their Rafale is considered a strong contender, Dassault reportedly wants full ownership of DRAL for local production. This is a potential point of contention as, during the previously cancelled Medium Range Combat Aircraft (MRCA) tender, Dassault expressed reservations about taking responsibility for HAL-manufactured Rafales. This disagreement is believed to be a contributing factor behind the cancellation of the MRCA tender, leading to India’s direct purchase of 36 Rafale jets.
Whether HAL can secure a significant role in the MRFA program remains to be seen. The Indian government, aiming for greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing, will likely prioritize considerable technology transfer and local production during the selection process. This could favour companies willing to collaborate effectively with HAL.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.