SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant move to bolster its diminishing combat strength, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) have agreed to establish a committee tasked with expediting the procurement of fighter jets, focusing particularly on the long-stalled Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. According to sources from idrw.org, a major decision on this front might be reached by May 2025, driven by the urgency to prevent the IAF’s squadron strength from falling to a critical low of 28, which would be just 3-4 squadrons more than the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) by the year’s end.
The MRFA tender, which has been languishing since 2019, aims to procure 110 advanced fighter jets. However, the committee’s mandate does not extend to reviewing the progress of existing indigenous fighter jet programs like the Tejas or the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Instead, it’s primarily focused on strategies to swiftly increase the number of operational squadrons.
There’s a growing debate within defense circles about whether to opt for 4.5 generation or outright 5th generation fighter jets. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has previously urged the IAF to consider acquiring a 5th generation fighter jet to compensate for the delays in the MRFA program. This recommendation underscores a strategic necessity to leapfrog in technology to maintain an edge over regional adversaries.
While the exact direction the IAF will take remains under wraps, there are strong indications that a dual approach might be adopted:
- Small Batch Procurement of Rafale F4: The IAF could opt for an immediate, smaller purchase of the 36 updated Rafale F4 jets. This would serve as a stopgap measure to enhance combat readiness in the short term, leveraging the existing infrastructure and training for the Rafale jets already in service.
- Government-to-Government Deal for 5th Generation Fighter Jets: Concurrently, there’s a push towards securing a 5th generation fighter through direct government agreements. This could potentially involve countries like the USA or Russia, offering platforms like the F-35 or Su-57, respectively, or even exploring collaborations with European consortia for emerging 5th gen technologies. Such a deal could significantly boost IAF’s capabilities over the next 4-5 years, providing advanced technology that could redefine air combat strategies in the region.
The urgency of this situation is compounded by the phasing out of older aircraft like the MiG-21 and the slow induction of new indigenous jets due to developmental delays. With the IAF aiming to reach a sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons, each decision on procurement is critical to national security and maintaining deterrence.
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