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SOURCE: AFI

India’s Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender is one of the most significant defense procurement programs, aimed at modernizing the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet with advanced multirole fighter jets. With a potential budget of $25 billion, there is growing curiosity about how many F-35A Lightning II jets—often considered the pinnacle of modern fighter aircraft—India could acquire if it opts for this 5th-generation stealth fighter over other contenders.

As of recent contracts, the unit price for the F-35A is approximately $80 million. Additional costs, including training, spare parts, mission systems, and logistical support, can significantly increase the total cost. For most international buyers, the total program cost per aircraft is estimated at around $200 million when factoring in lifecycle support and infrastructure.

For first-time operators like India, creating the necessary support infrastructure, including stealth maintenance facilities, secure data links, and software integration, could cost $5–7 billion.

Assuming India allocates the entire $25 billion budget to the F-35A program, the breakdown is as follows:

  1. Infrastructure Setup: Deducting $6 billion for infrastructure and training.
    • Remaining budget: $19 billion.
  2. Cost per Aircraft: Assuming $200 million per aircraft (including lifecycle support and spares).

Other contenders in the MRFA tender, such as the Dassault Rafale, Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Saab Gripen E, are less expensive per unit but lack the 5th-generation stealth and advanced capabilities of the F-35A. With these alternatives, India could potentially acquire 120–140 jets, depending on the configuration and lifecycle costs.

While the F-35A offers unmatched stealth, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities, its operational costs and reliance on secure data-sharing infrastructure could pose challenges for first-time operators. Moreover, integrating the F-35A into the IAF’s existing fleet, dominated by Russian-origin platforms and Rafales, would require significant effort in terms of interoperability and logistics.

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