“The ‘Mother of All Deals (Rafale Fighter Aircraft)’: Unfinished Business”
In a world where precision and power reign supreme, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for a game-changing deal of monumental proportions. France, renowned for its aerospace prowess, is in the spotlight once again as it embarks on a journey to fulfill India’s ambitious dreams.
The LoR: A Blueprint for the Future
France has received a Letter of Request (LoR) from India, an essential document that sets the stage for what could be a groundbreaking deal. The LoR serves as a detailed blueprint, outlining India’s specific requirements for the acquisition of Dassault Aviation’s Rafale Marine aircraft.
These highly sophisticated aircraft are poised to become an integral part of India’s naval might, as they will operate from the deck of the INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, two formidable aircraft carriers.
The Countdown to Contract
As anticipation builds, it’s essential to understand that the contract signing is not an immediate event. France will meticulously evaluate the LoR, responding with a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) before delving into the intricacies of cost negotiations for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M aircraft. The final contract signing is expected to unfold in the year 2024.
Global Demand for Rafale
Dassault Aviation’s Rafale has been a sensation in the world of omni-role fighter jets, garnering international acclaim. This surge in demand followed the successful delivery of 36 Rafales to the IAF through a government-to-government contract.
- Notably, the French media recently celebrated Rafale’s victory in securing a deal to supply 54 aircraft to Saudi Arabia. This achievement came after a veto from Germany dimmed the prospects of the Eurofighter Typhoon.
- The Mother of All Deals
- The Indian Air Force’s tender for 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) is no ordinary contract; it’s often referred to as the “mother of all deals.” This monumental undertaking aims to equip the IAF with cutting-edge aircraft, setting the stage for a new era in aerial dominance.
- In a previous chapter of this story, Rafale emerged victorious in 2013 by winning a tender for 126 jets, known as the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) procurement program. However, the plot took an unexpected turn in 2015 when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi canceled the tender. This twist of fate led to the purchase of 36 Rafales off-the-shelf from France in an approximately $8-billion deal.
- Unfinished Business
- Dassault Aviation now views the MRFA for 114 jets as “unfinished” business, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in the IAF’s quest for air superiority. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, shared, “IAF plans to induct six squadrons of MRFA in a phased manner. The program would be progressed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative of DAP-2020. Responses have been received for eight aircraft types.”
- As experts closely observe this high-stakes competition, the contenders for the MRFA tender include Dassault’s Rafale, Boeing’s F-15EX, and Saab’s JAS-39 Gripen.
- Setting the Stage for Success
- Key milestones have been achieved in the lead-up to the MRFA contract. Air Staff Qualitative Requirements (ASQRs) have been meticulously finalized, and detailed interactions with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have taken place. The IAF is actively seeking commitments from OEMs for indigenous content in selected categories, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
- Moreover, the IAF envisions integrating indigenously developed Air-to-Air (A-A) and Air-to-Ground (A-G) weapons into the MRFA manufactured within India’s borders. This strategic move not only bolsters India’s military capabilities but also propels the nation’s defense industry onto a global stage.
- The Journey So Far
- The Indian Air Force took a significant step forward in 2018 when it released a Request for Information (RFI), sparking enthusiastic responses from aircraft manufacturers worldwide. This multi-billion-dollar deal represents a pivotal moment in the IAF’s modernization efforts.
- Subsequently, the IAF, after fine-tuning the Air Staff Qualitative Requirements (ASQRs), now awaits the government’s approval to proceed with an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN). Despite the passage of time, there has been no movement on the MRFA deal.
- The Waiting Game
- Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, former Deputy Chief of the IAF, revealed during Aero India 2023 that an AoN from the government was expected in the next three to four months. Yet, as November arrives, the AoN remains elusive, leaving the IAF in a precarious position. With 31 squadron strengths and an aging fleet, the urgency for new aircraft has never been more pronounced.
- India’s Determination
- The IAF’s commitment to India’s ‘Make in India’ policy is evident in its expressed intent to order 90 more Light Combat Aircraft Mk1. This resolute stance aligns with the nation’s goal of enhancing its self-reliance in defense production.
- The Urgent Requirement
- The urgency surrounding the IAF’s requirement for 114 MRFA is unmistakable. It’s not just a matter of boosting the nation’s combat capabilities; it’s about maintaining a decisive edge in a region marked by strategic complexities.
- A Complex Decision
- While Rafale’s advantage lies in its operational presence within India’s air force and soon-to-be-inducted navy, the IAF’s decision remains multifaceted. The formulation of ASQR is a pivotal stage in defense acquisition, dictating the quality, price, and competition.
- Air Marshal (Retd) M. Matheswaran, who previously oversaw the MMRCA tender for the IAF, sheds light on the decision-making process. He emphasizes that, “For MRFA, which is just a different name for the contract, I can only expect the ‘Make in India’ could be the deciding factor.”
- The Long Road to Rafale
- Rafale, a twin-engine multi-role aircraft, boasts versatility in air-to-air combat and air-to-ground missions. Equipped with state-of-the-art cameras, radars, and sensors, it excels in intelligence gathering.
- The journey of Rafale’s development has been marked by determination and excellence. The program officially launched in January 1988, with the first Rafale F1 delivered to the French Navy in May 2001. Since then, Rafale has left an indelible mark on the global stage.
- Deployed in Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, Syria, and Mali, Rafale has consistently outclassed its adversaries. It holds the distinction of never being shot down during its extensive missions.
- A Versatile Arsenal
- Dassault Aviation proudly proclaims that Rafale can execute “the widest range of roles” with the smallest number of aircraft. Its capabilities include carrying long-range air-to-air missiles, Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM), long-range standoff missiles, anti-ship missiles, laser-guided bombs, and classic warfare capabilities etc.
- Considering the acquisitions of the number of aircraft, the IAF has already made, the inference could well be drawn that the coming procurement will also be made on the similar lines, including the marine fighter aircraft proposed to be deployed on aircraft carriers.
