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Looks like the IAF is going to push the GoI for the 114 MRFA with the Rafale being the frontrunner instead of pursuing 36 more Rafales off the shelf.

New IAF Chief looks beyond 36 additional Rafale jets, wants 114 MRFA

The IAF chief, who took over last week, added, “However, to mitigate the gap of fighter squadrons and combat capability, the RFI (Request for Information) for 114 MRFA was mooted, for which responses have been received. Now we are waiting to move the case up further.”

Responding to another question, the IAF chief said squadrons of unmanned aircraft (futuristic armed drones) are different from that of the fighters.

Asked specifically if this meant that the IAF was ruling out the possibility of procuring additional 36 Rafale fighter jets, ACM Chaudhari said the Rafale is also one of the contenders.


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“We are happy with the performance of the aircraft but I would not like to comment on whether it will be the main contender or not for the MRFA,” he said.

ACM Chaudhari comments come exactly a year after his predecessor, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria, had indicated for the first time officially that the decision to buy two more squadrons of Rafale fighter jets was under consideration.

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“In MRFA, most of the contenders have the 4.5 generation technology. One of the key features that we are seeking is the ability to integrate 5th and 6th generation technology. It will be a Make in India model,” he said.
Rafale the front runner even for MRFA
Sources in the defence and security establishment said that Rafale is likely to be the front runner even if the MRFA competition is held because the IAF is not looking at having multiple types of aircraft.

They said that a final decision would be taken by the government on whether to go in for a direct deal with the French or go with the IAF’s plan with competition for MRFA.


Sources have said that the timeline for the MRFA competition will be much shorter than the one for Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), since a majority of the aircraft in contention have already undergone various trials in the past.

Sources said that one thing is clear that the IAF is looking beyond just 36 additional Rafale, which will take it up to four squadrons of the aircraft.
 
Looks like the IAF is going to push the GoI for the 114 MRFA with the Rafale being the frontrunner instead of pursuing 36 more Rafales off the shelf.

New IAF Chief looks beyond 36 additional Rafale jets, wants 114 MRFA
Making such statements helps to force France to offer the next order of Rafales at more competitive rates. Also, asking for 114 aircraft is a signal to GoI that LCA MK2 apart, we need more top end aircraft without too much delay since our security needs have rapidly changed.
 
More to come hopefully
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That is quite the impressive list of aircraft as well as the NASAMS-II. HUMVEES equipped with AIM-120s is just absolutely fantastic and what a solution to solve accessibility in rough terrain. Take that with your penetrating mountain infantry and enemy attack helos as well as any attack aircraft doesn't stand a chance! One of the best supplemental infantry protection asset I can think of. Reminds me of the old SAM-6 on tracked utility vehicle back in the day that was intended for similar solutions. That has its benefits in desert terrain, but this here, is perfect for dense, rugged mountainous terrain and with the lethality of the AIM-120 (C-5?), is almost unbeatable.

Quick question for you: Has there ever been any formal discussion or literature from IAF personnel involved with the Raytheon ISTAR aircraft? Did they comment at all about what they thought of it during testing or whatever they did to learn about it and obviously be quite content with it since they ordered a pair for $1 billion. I'm just curious regarding what they said about it since that's one of the, if not the best intel-gathering airborne platform out there and my guess is the US doesn't make them available very easily. Adding the pair to the IAF will give you folks quite the improvement on an already spruced and beefed up air force surveillance and info gathering capabilities.
 
The sexiest fighter ever!

IAF Mirage-2000I with Popeye on the centerline, 2 MICA-IRs and 1 MICA-EM

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Stunning shot!

MiG-21, Rafale and Mirage-2000 with the Hawks of the Surya Kirans

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Jaguar is beautiful, any Idea how many in service with the IAF?
 

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