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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a move that could reshape the competition for India’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender aimed at procuring 110 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, Russia is likely to pull its MiG-35 from the race. The decision comes as the MiG-35, despite its advanced features, faces challenges with limited production rates and a lack of robust orders from the Russian Air Force itself.

The MiG-35 was pitched with several impressive enhancements over its predecessors like Revised Tailfin and Airframe Geometry these modifications were meant to improve aerodynamics and manoeuvrability, crucial in modern aerial combat scenarios. The aircraft was equipped with Klimov RD-33MK engines, providing a thrust of nine tonnes at full afterburner, promising better performance at high speeds.

Advanced Reconnaissance Systems proposed to enhance the jet’s capabilities in surveillance and target acquisition. The MiG-35 was to also feature an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, capable of tracking up to 30 targets simultaneously, offering a significant tactical advantage.

Despite these advanced features, several factors have contributed to the likely withdrawal The MiG-35 has not seen the production volumes or domestic orders that would justify a stable manufacturing base. This uncertainty affects the aircraft’s availability and support.

Past iterations of MiG aircraft have struggled in technical evaluations, particularly in comparison to competitors who have had more time to refine and stabilize their designs. The MiG-35’s performance in international tenders has been questioned, especially concerning reliability and maintainability.

The aircraft faces stiff competition from other jets in the MRFA tender, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, and Saab Gripen-E, many of which have more established production lines, service records, and support ecosystems.

Russia might be reevaluating its strategy in light of global sanctions, financial constraints, and the need to focus on more viable projects or upgrades to existing platforms like the Su-30MKI, which India already operates in significant numbers.

The potential withdrawal of the MiG-35 from consideration might streamline the selection process for the IAF, focusing the competition on aircraft with more proven track records in production and operational use. For India, this could present an opportunity to either expedite the tender process or reassess its requirements, possibly leaning more towards aircraft that offer better technology transfer, local production capabilities, or alignment with its strategic goals of reducing reliance on Russian equipment.

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