SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to issue the Request for Proposal (RFP) for its Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender later this year. However, the lack of clarity regarding the specific definition of ‘Multi-Role’ in this context has led to speculation and potential confusion among potential Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
In the past, the IAF has used the term ‘Single Engine Fighter (SEF)’ to refer to fighter jets below the 20-ton All Up Weight (AUW) mark. Multi-Role is a vague definition that allows all fighter jets ever produced or in production to be classified as a Multi-role jet that increases unnecessary proposals.
MRCA was all about Medium Class aircraft and Changing it to Multi-role makes it much more complex. However, This vagueness could lead to an influx of unnecessary proposals, complicating the evaluation process and potentially delaying the selection of a suitable MRFA. Potential Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) may find it challenging to accurately gauge the IAF’s specific requirements and tailor their offerings accordingly.
By providing a more specific definition of ‘Multi-role’ and setting potential upper limits, the IAF can ensure that the MRFA tender attracts only those OEMs whose offerings truly align with its requirements. This will not only streamline the evaluation process but also help the IAF make a more informed decision regarding the acquisition of its new fleet of MRFA aircraft.