Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Officer Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria publicly declared on Monday for the first time that the decision to acquire two more Rafale fighter jet squadrons is under consideration.
It has, however, made it clear that the IAF is currently concentrating on the order to be given soon for 83 Light Battle Tejas Mark 1A.
“At the moment, we are focusing on 83 LCA Mk 1A. After that, the follow-up planned is MRFA (multi-role fighter aircraft), which is ‘Make in India’ and the other line is on LCA versions, and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA),” said the IAF chief while addressing the media during his annual press conference.
“In terms of whether we’re going in for more Rafale or MRFA, it’s going to be an open market, as is actually expected. The RFI (Request for Information) answers have been obtained. So this whole topic is under discussion and debate. As this situation and the picture become clear and we finalize the path forward, we will share with you, “he said.
Procurement
Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat said in February that the government would go in for a phased procurement of fighter jets, which Rafale saw as an advantage.
As announced, the government believes that India should enter two additional squadrons of Rafale fighter jets in addition to improved versions of the indigenous LCA Tejas and AMCA.
This is because a substantial portion of the €1,700 million paying for India’s Unique Upgrades in Rafale would collapse down to the bulk of the costs of research and production, adjustment, and certification.
The cost of setting up the base and training would also come down as India paid for setting up two bases for just 36 aircraft. These bases can comfortably host more aircraft squadrons at no extra expense.
Also, future Rafale fighter jets will come with no offsets under the current government scheme, thereby lowering the cost further.
36 Rafale jets to be operationalized by 2023
Meanwhile, the IAF Chief said that the 36 Rafale fighter jets will be fully operational by 2023.
Although 5 such French fighters have been operationally inducted by the IAF, an further 3-4 jets will arrive by the end of this month or the beginning of November. “It is going to happen every 3-4 months,” he said.
The IAF Leader also said that the integration of Rafale brings a forum that is the path forward and will give the force the edge and the opportunity to hit first and hard.
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