SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a strategic move to expedite the long-delayed Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to shorten the technical evaluation phase for contending aircraft by focusing solely on additional capabilities introduced since the earlier Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) tender.
According to an IAF official speaking to idrw.org, while most of the aircraft in the MRFA competition are the same as those evaluated nearly 15 years ago in the MRCA trials, their capabilities have evolved significantly with upgrades in avionics, radar, and weaponry. However, core technical parameters such as in-flight characteristics remain largely unchanged, allowing the IAF to exempt these from retesting and streamline the process.
The IAF’s rationale for shortening the MRFA trials hinges on the overlap between the MRCA and MRFA contenders. An official explained to idrw.org that “most of the aircraft remain the same structurally and aerodynamically as they were during the MRCA trials conducted nearly 15 years ago. Core in-flight characteristics—like maneuverability, climb rate, and stall performance—haven’t changed fundamentally. What has evolved are the avionics, radar systems, and weapons integration, which we’ll focus on in the MRFA trials.”
This approach leverages the extensive data collected during the MRCA trials, which spanned 2009–2011 and tested aircraft in simulated combat scenarios across India’s diverse terrain and climate. By exempting parameters already validated—such as takeoff and landing performance, flight envelope, and basic handling—the IAF aims to avoid redundant testing and accelerate the evaluation process.
Most contenders now feature Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars with improved range, target tracking, and resistance to jamming. For instance, the Rafale’s RBE2 AESA radar has been refined, while the F/A-18 Block III boasts the AN/APG-79 with extended detection capabilities. Modernized cockpit displays, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities have become standard. The F-21, for example, offers an advanced electronic warfare suite tailored for India, while the Gripen E integrates AI-driven decision-making tools.
Newer munitions, such as long-range air-to-air missiles (e.g., Meteor for Rafale and Gripen), precision-guided bombs, and anti-radiation missiles, have been integrated, enhancing strike and air superiority roles. Some aircraft, like the Eurofighter Typhoon, have incorporated radar cross-section (RCS) reduction measures, though none match the full stealth of fifth-generation jets like the F-35.
The IAF plans to tailor the MRFA trials to assess these advancements, ensuring the selected aircraft meets contemporary operational requirements, such as integration with India’s indigenous systems (e.g., Astra missiles, BrahMos) and compatibility with net-centric warfare doctrines.
By focusing on new capabilities and skipping redundant tests, the IAF aims to compress the trial timeline from the three years taken by the MRCA process to potentially 12–18 months. This approach, however, doesn’t imply a lowering of standards. The official emphasized that “while we’re exempting parameters validated earlier, the new trials will be rigorous where it matters—ensuring the aircraft can perform in today’s threat environment and integrate with our evolving ecosystem.”
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