SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
An Indian Air Force (IAF) official has dismissed claims that the incoming Trump administration in the United States would pressure India to procure American fighter jets for its Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program. Speaking to idrw.org, the official clarified that all foreign fighter jets competing in the MRFA tender would be evaluated on a level playing field, without any undue political influence favoring U.S.-made aircraft.
This statement comes in response to a report by an American-owned Indian website that speculated the Trump administration might use its political leverage to push for the selection of one of the three U.S.-origin combat aircraft in contention for the MRFA contract. The report suggested that such a move could serve as “blood money” to diplomatically resolve the politically sensitive Pannun dispute, currently under legal proceedings in a New York court. It implied that the U.S. might firewall Indian officials and leaders from allegations in exchange for a favourable decision in the MRFA tender.
The IAF official rejected such claims, emphasizing that all fighter jets, including the American offerings, would be judged strictly on their technical and operational merits. The U.S.-origin platforms in contention are Boeing F-15EX, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and Lockheed Martin F-21. However, the French Dassault Rafale, already in service with the IAF, is widely regarded as the frontrunner in the MRFA competition due to its proven capabilities and familiarity with Indian operational needs.
The MRFA program, which aims to procure 114 multi-role fighter aircraft for the IAF, is still in the early stages of planning. The official cautioned that the program has yet to receive an Acceptance of Necessity (AON) from the Ministry of Defence. Without this critical approval, the process cannot advance to the stage of issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP), where formal bids would be invited.
The IAF’s insistence on maintaining a level playing field aligns with India’s broader approach to defence procurement, which prioritizes operational requirements and cost-effectiveness over external pressures. The official’s comments underscore that while American fighter jets remain viable contenders, their success in the MRFA tender will depend on their ability to meet India’s stringent performance criteria and industrial partnership requirements under the Make in India initiative.
The MRFA program is expected to significantly bolster the IAF’s combat capabilities, replacing ageing platforms and addressing a dwindling squadron strength. However, the program’s progress remains slow, with geopolitical speculations and unverified claims often adding to the discourse around its execution. For now, the IAF seems committed to an impartial evaluation process, ensuring the best choice for India’s defence needs.
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