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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a recent discussion with idrw.org, a senior Indian Air Force (IAF) official revealed that the IAF would consider settling for 90 additional Rafale fighter jets under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender if the Dassault Rafale is selected even though the MRFA tender was for 114 jets.

This move would align with the IAF’s original objective under the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program, which initially sought a total of 126 aircraft to fill a critical capability gap.

The IAF’s current Rafale fleet stands at 36 jets, all of which were procured in a direct government-to-government deal with France in 2016, resulting in the induction of two squadrons. If the Rafale is chosen for the MRFA tender and another 90 units are ordered, it would complete the IAF’s desired Rafale fleet, effectively achieving the 126 aircraft composition that was initially envisioned after the Kargil war.

The original MMRCA tender aimed to fill a pressing need for multi-role combat capabilities that would bridge the gap between existing fourth-generation jets and the forthcoming advanced fifth-generation platforms.

With the MRFA tender in play, a deal for 90 additional Rafales would require a substantial investment, but this option could benefit from previous experiences and established supply chains. Dassault’s pre-existing production line for Indian-spec Rafales, as well as existing logistical and training frameworks, would streamline procurement and operationalization.

While the MRFA tender has attracted a range of global contenders, including the Boeing F-15EX and F/A-18 Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin F-21, Saab Gripen E, and Eurofighter Typhoon, the Rafale’s proven track record within the IAF places it at an advantage. This operational familiarity, combined with the potential for continued production in partnership with Indian firms, positions the Rafale as a logical choice.

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