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SOURCE: AFI

The forthcoming report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence is expected to echo last year’s recommendation for the government to consider acquiring fifth-generation fighter aircraft “over the counter” if delays plague the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) project. This suggestion underscores the urgency of bolstering the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) dwindling fighter squadron strength amidst long-standing procurement challenges.

In its previous report, the committee expressed concerns over the pace of the MRFA procurement process, which aims to induct 114 fighter jets. The panel highlighted the risk of the project following the protracted trajectories of earlier programs like the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and the Kaveri jet engine.

“The government should consider buying state-of-the-art fifth-generation fighter aircraft over the counter, without losing time, to keep the force in a comfortable position,” the committee recommended.

Despite these concerns, the report acknowledged that the IAF remains “fully capable of defending the nation,” even as it faces the challenge of depleting squadron numbers. The MRFA project, estimated at $20 billion, is a cornerstone of India’s efforts to modernize its air power. The initiative seeks to procure advanced jets from global manufacturers under the “Make in India” framework, fostering technology transfer and domestic production. However, bureaucratic delays and the complex tendering process have slowed progress, raising concerns about whether the IAF can maintain its operational edge in the interim.

India currently lacks a fifth-generation fighter jet in its arsenal. While the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program aims to fill this void, the indigenous platform is still in the development phase and unlikely to enter service before 2035.

Against this backdrop, “over-the-counter” acquisition of operational fifth-generation jets, such as the American F-35, could offer a stopgap solution to address immediate capability shortfalls. However, such a move would come with significant cost implications and might bypass the long-term benefits of domestic manufacturing initiatives.

The committee’s anticipated reiteration of its recommendation reflects a pragmatic acknowledgment of the IAF’s immediate needs. At the same time, the government must balance short-term acquisitions with its vision of developing a self-reliant defence ecosystem.

While “over-the-counter” purchases may resolve immediate challenges, they could sideline efforts to nurture indigenous capabilities, potentially delaying programs like the AMCA or the Kaveri engine further.