The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender is a multi-billion dollar saga to increase our active Indian Air Force jets by 114 units to counter our already dwindling squadrons of combat platforms. Although an ongoing tender, this process has become too much historic at this point with multiple ups and downs yet with no point of certainty. The roots of the MRFA tender can be traced back to 2008, when the IAF initiated the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program. This ambitious project aimed to procure 126 fighter jets to bridge the gap between the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and the aging fleet of Mig 29s, MiG 21s and Mirage 2000s. Initially slated for 126 jets, the earlier known Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft competition was allocated INR 55,000 crores by the Ministry of Defence and was about to be the single largest defence deal of India had it happened. From six competitors to Rafale and Eurofighter at the end followed by Rafale being named as the winner between the two in 2012 due to better long term life cycle costs, there were still much drama left. Dassault was concerned regarding HAL’s capability of producing the jets and how well the firm would handle the technology transfers. Talks later went on towards securing a 50-50 deal where Rafale wanted to have the contract handled by two companies which was again not taken well since India’s MoD wanted the entire thing to be done by Dassault from France itself. Two years later and France agreed to send 18 Rafales ready to India and would give the responsibility of the remaining jets to be built homegrown by HAL. Further reports allegedly stated that India and France would sign the deal in 2015 but later in the April 2015, then late-defence minister Manohar Parikar declared the MMRCA to be officially dead and the 126 jets deal was reportedly cancelled. Finally the agreement toned down to just 36 Rafales to be delivered ready-made to India, which has a matter of fact proved great for Indian Air Force till now. Three years later, its 2018 another RFI was issued by India for procurement of 114 multi-role fighter jets for the IAF. With the new active tender known as the MRFA (Multi Role Fighter Aircraft) (or sometimes MMRCA 2.0), eight aircrafts came into contention, all of which are being subjected for testing and review even at the very moment you are reading this :
- Mikoyan MiG-35 (repeat contender from MMRCA)
- Sukhoi Su-35 (repeat contender from MMRCA)
- Saab JAS-39 Gripen E/F (repeat contender, upgraded offer)
- Lockheed Martin F-21 (new entry)
- Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet (repeat contender from MMRCA)
- Boeing F-15EX Eagle II (new entry)
- Eurofighter Typhoon (repeat contender from MMRCA)
- Dassault Rafale (defending winner, IAF active, soon to be Navy active)
What has changed between considerations of MMRCA 1.0 and MMRCA 2.0?
Almost two decades between the contemporary and the original MMRCA 1.0 initialization and since then many parameters have changed which will actually determine which jet would be the best fit for IAF’s future plans. The primary focus in 2008 was increasing jet numbers alongside the aging MiGs and Mirages. Now stealth has made a complete takeover in R&D and air forces aren’t exactly extraordinarily capable if they don’t field enough 4-5th gen aircrafts. While our Bisons have aged like fine wine with the F-16 Killer tag, all of the squadrons have been grounded in 2023-24 and the existing Mirages and Fulcrums won’t be able to keep up much. Since then Tejas Mk.1 came up, Mk2 is in building blocks, AMCA passed the design phases, increase in combat prowess with the introduction of Apaches from US, pretty good armed version of Rudra and the LCH Prachand. Yet there’s isn’t units enough to pound a rain of hell with one call. Not even half a century and USA is questioning its production capabilities as China is #1 in every domain of armed forces. Even after copycat allegations and quality concerns are off the charts, China’s numbers can overpower any tested any individual platform to death.
Mirages are still employed in the bomber/interceptor roles and Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs always enjoy good maintenance and life-cycle upgrades and patches throughout their air-superiority roles. Having enjoyed the additional multirole Rafales in the mix as an apt balance, India is now focused in extending its multi role capabilities to gain a significant edge across multiple domains including aerial warfare, ground support, reconnaissance, electronic warfare etc. With more than a decade past now and considering the demands of IAF, the contender firms are taking it seriously too as multiple jets have upgraded offerings for the ongoing MRFA. Saab is offering their much more advanced Gripens and so is Mikoyan with their upgraded Fulcrums and even Lockheed Martin is milking IAF with their India exclusive F-21 jet.
The Contenders
Saab JAS-39 Gripen E/F: Entering service in the late 2010s, the Gripen E (single-seat) and F (dual-seat) variants build upon the proven capabilities of earlier Gripen models incorporating state-of-the-art avionics, improved radar systems, and enhanced survivability features. The aircraft is powered by a single General Electric F414G engine, enabling a top speed of Mach 2 and a combat radius of approximately 1,500 kilometers. Its advanced radar system, the Leonardo Raven ES-05 AESA radar, offers superior target detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities, while the integrated IRST (Infrared Search and Track) system enhances passive surveillance and targeting. Its electronic warfare suite, including the Saab Arexis system, provides comprehensive threat detection and countermeasures. This jet carries the Meteor BVRs, IRIS air-to-air missiles along with various guided and unguided bombs. It is considered one of the best single engine 4++ gen aircrafts active.
Boeing F-15EX Eagle II: Eagle II, the latest iteration of the iconic F-15 series features cutting-edge avionics, a high payload capacity, and modernized systems while maintaining the F-15’s legendary performance. Powered by twin General Electric F110-GE-129 engines, it achieves a top speed of Mach 2.5 and a combat radius exceeding 1,100 miles. The aircraft boasts the AN/APG-82(V)1 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, providing superior target detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities, and the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS) for enhanced electronic warfare and survivability. Its weapons capacity is unparalleled, capable of carrying up to 29,500 pounds of ordnance, including advanced air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120D AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder, and a variety of air-to-ground munitions such as the AGM-158 JASSM and precision-guided bombs. The F-15EX’s digital fly-by-wire system and advanced cockpit displays, including large-area touchscreens and the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), optimize pilot situational awareness and operational efficiency. Coming from the F15 lore, the Eagle platform is yet to have any official combat crash recorded and remains in the consideration as one of the best multirole-air superiority fighter jets.
Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker E: It is a twin-engine multi role fighter developed by the Russia’s Sukhoi and is considered the most advanced in the Su-27 Flanker family. It is distinguished by its Saturn AL-41F1S thrust-vectoring engines and is the only thrust vectoring capable jet among the contenders in the list. It has a maximum speed of Mach 2.25 and a max combat range of 3600 km without external fuel tanks. The Su-35’s avionics suite features Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar, capable of detecting targets at distances up to 400 kilometers, tracking up to 30 targets simultaneously, and engaging up to 8. This jet is basically an better upgrade package to our Su-30 MKIs in a compact way.
Mikoyan MiG 35: The Mikoyan MiG-35, a 4++ generation multirole fighter developed by Russia’s Mikoyan, represents an advanced evolution of the MiG-29, featuring significant improvements in avionics, weaponry, and combat capabilities. It is powered by two Klimov RD-33MK afterburning turbofan engines, enabling a top speed of Mach 2.25 and a combat range of approximately 1,000 kilometers without external tanks. Its avionics suite excludes the AESA radar which is available in the domestic variant but not for export models, an advanced optical locator system and can efficiently coordinate in datalink with AWACS platform. It doesn’t come with thrust vectoring by default but has provisions for enabling it upon customer request. Despite being an advanced version of MiG-29, the MiG-35 however is very low on the production side and is yet to be tested in the battleground.
Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet: Entering service in the early 2000s, the Super Hornet is an evolution of the original F/A-18 Hornet, featuring a larger airframe, enhanced avionics, and increased fuel capacity. Powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofan engines, it achieves a top speed of Mach 1.6 and a combat radius of over 722 kilometers. The aircraft is equipped with the AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which provides superior target detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities. The Super Hornet’s weapons capabilities are extensive, supporting a wide array of air-to-air missiles, such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder, as well as air-to-ground munitions including JDAMs, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and laser-guided bombs. The aircraft’s design includes provisions for carrier-based operations, such as reinforced landing gear, tail hooks, and folding wings, ensuring operational flexibility for the U.S. Navy. Quite a unique turn here since Boeing is offering this US carrier staple for a IAF mainstay fighter jet.
Dassault Rafale: The Dassault Rafale, a twin-engine, multirole fighter aircraft developed by the French company Dassault Aviation is already running high grounds with two successful deals with Indian Air Force and Navy. It is powered by two Snecma M88-2 engines, enabling a top speed of Mach 1.8 and a combat range of 1,850 kilometers. It is equipped with the Thales RBE2-AA active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, providing superior target detection and tracking capabilities, and it features the SPECTRA electronic warfare system for advanced threat detection and countermeasures. It is also one of the most feared 4++ and combat proven multirole platforms of current time.
Eurofighter Typhoon: Entering service in the early 2000s, the Typhoon is powered by two Eurojet EJ200 turbofan engines, providing a top speed of Mach 2 and a combat range of 1,390 kilometers without external tanks. Its avionics suite features the advanced CAPTOR-E active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The aircraft is equipped with an extensive array of weapons, including the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, Brimstone and Storm Shadow air-to-surface missiles, and Paveway laser-guided bombs, making it versatile across different combat scenarios. Its Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS) enhances survivability by providing comprehensive threat detection and countermeasures.
Lockheed Martin F-21: The Lockheed Martin F-21, an advanced multirole fighter aircraft tailored specifically for India, is based on the F-16 Fighting Falcon but incorporates numerous enhancements to meet the Indian Air Force’s requirements. LM has emphasized the Make in India initiative, proposing to manufacture the F-21 in India with significant Transfer of Technology. Enhanced AESA, threat detection, cockpit tech and electronic warfare system have been proposed for the concept along with GE’s offer with upgraded engine reliability, lower life cycle costs, coming with a 12000 hours service life for the platform.
Potential Reviews / Judgement for the Contenders
The Mikoyan MIG-35 is one of the most controversial jets in this deal as of now. It might as well have the least chances of gaining any serious lead in the MRFA when compared to the other jets here keeping in mind the futuristic demands of the Indian Air Force. The MiG-35 Fulcrum E is basically an advanced variant of the Mig-29 without any sugarcoating. However it still doesn’t feature an AESA radar. While the exact details in the MRFA offering is unknown, the export version of MiG-35 doesn’t feature the Zhuk-A/AM AESA radar which is present in the domestic version. This platform is a repeat contender from the previous MMRCA tender and reportedly the Ministry of Defence wasn’t happy at all from the performance it had shown. The radar wasn’t able to detect and track targets at the maximum range mentioned and the RD-33MK engines were apparently not producing satisfactory thrust. In March 2020, Russia announced that they will offer an upgraded MiG-35 fighter jet equipped with an automatic landing and G-force protection systems. There also have been requests for smart target acquisition system. In the previous MMRCA competition, the MiG-35 failed to clear a few technical trials and the shadow of previous test results might pull it back this time too. Furthermore Indian Air Force has been already enjoying the thrust vectoring capable Su-30 MKIs for a long time, so it kind of makes sense to eliminate an entry from the same nation which is actually a downgrade from current jets. Added to the woes is the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war and the longer it goes, the more bloodbath the economic strains would be for the country. Considering the situation where Russia can’t consistently produce the Su-57 for itself, it is unlikely for them to consistently provide Mig-35s for India.
The Lockheed Martin F-21 shares various features with the latest F-16V variant and it shouldn’t come as a surprise as it is the firm is indeed advertising it as a filtered coffee version of the F-16. Being a single engine jet, it instantly comes down a point against the F-15EX. As a matter of fact where both this F16 advanced variant and F15EX is participating, almost everything goes in favour of the Boeing’s Strike Eagle except the cost. Despite being of the F16 lineage, it is also the only jet in this list where it doesn’t exist yet in a physical model and the latest designs are the only ones updated by Lockheed Martin in the Aero India 2023 show at Bengaluru. Although it is the only entry that aligns with the Make In India scheme since the entirety of the manufacturing will be catered by Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited at Hyderabad, the cost in the long run will be pretty huge. Considering the unknown amount of extending time still remaining before the finalization of this tender after which IAF will start getting 0 to 114 F-21s would be too time consuming as in this case the Fast Track Procurement won’t come in play. As a result IAF will get to test and optimize these jets only after the first batch gets manufactured here in India. All things considered, F-21 winning the MRFA seems unlikely at this stage. There’s lack of comments from the Ministry of Defence regarding this entry while other contenders are more rocksolid and combat proven along with lower range and no engine backup due to single engine layout configuration deteriorates the chances of Lockheed Martin F-21 winning the MRFA tender.
Both the MiG-35 and the LM F-21 are the most under-proven combat jets in this list. While it is true that they are just advanced upgrades with the bodykits of two of the 4th gen jets, rational logic tells its differently. The MiG 35 so its first batch of 6 jets ordered in 2018 which actually saw the light of the hangars sometime in November 2023 according to official reports. Even if it is a Mig-29 remastered version, for a jet which isn’t tried and tested by Russia itself might very well become a hit or miss if it touches the Indian ink. Supported by the ongoing sanctions, horrendous military supply chains, unproven combat history, MiG-35 might already have checked off the list. The LM F-21 despite being on the same boat as the Fulcrum, is slightly ahead in sailing though the negatives are greater than proven positives. If we eliminate the fact that it is a F-16 platform upgrade, which is indeed one of the best fighter jets of all time, it simply comes down to just another design from Lockheed Martin having no physical body to test but a curated product to penetrate the Indian defence market.
The Sukhoi Su-35 is another Russian contender in this list. While it may seem that Sukhoi Su-35 might have a upper hand in this tender, concerns go deeper. Being the most advanced jet in the Su-27 Flanker family, it’s true IAF operators may be most familiar and comfortable in this jet since they are basically upgraded Su-30 MKIs in the same kits. However the 114 jets in question strictly fall into the Medium-weight Multirole class but the Flankers fall in the heavyweight-class even if the positives are good. From a size comparison jets like the Rafales, Eagles, Fighting Falcons etc. seem like discounted versions. India is already on its concrete plan to upgrade the 272 Su-30MKIs by increasing the avionics, radar and improving the service life by additional 20 years at least. And given the current bleeding situation of Russia’s pockets along with production and supply chain woes, Su-35 might not be a favourable choice. Although nothing has been confirmed about this jet, it makes sense for Su-35 not going through as IAF had already hinted before regarding diversifying the active aircraft fleet and the two countries are already active in the existing update packages together.
Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is arguably the best naval combat jet right now but is it capable enough to bag the MRFA deal? The jet itself is plenty competent without a doubt but some challenges still linger. The jet recently had their close showdown with the Dassault Rafale-M for the Indian Navy’s latest 26-unit deal and although the platform passed its tests with flying colours, the Rafale-M was just better. Moreover throughout the history of the platform, the Super Hornet has dedicatedly played its role in mastering naval warfare from the air. It is the backbone for each of the 11 US supercarriers – that alone speaks a lot. Yet the USA is the only major primary operator for the Super Hornet all of which operate under US Navy from the carrier decks, and a squadron each is present with the Air Forces of Kuwait and Australia. Not a farfetched plan but it would be quite a feat to be achieved by IAF if this dedicated naval platform becomes a mainstay for our conventional aerial domain.
The JAS-39 Gripen is often considered as a ‘dark horse’ due to its lesser known name whenever competitors like F16s, Sukhois, MiGs or Eagles come into play, yet this is one of the most capable single engine multirole fighter jets existing. A serious marvel made by the Swedish powerhouse Saab AB, it is also one of the cheaper ones among the giants in question. This jet was also in consideration before the 36 unit Rafale deal was confirmed but lost to its peer mainly due to IAF’s technical demands despite being significantly cheaper than any other top rated US and EU 4++ jets. When compared with a Rafale, it has got the exact same weapons package except the French origin SCALP. The punch that the platform packs is of serious contention but will always fall short due to the single engine configuration. Irrespective of the technical allure, geopolitical issues play a lot here. IAF wasn’t happy at all after Saab had supplied three Erieye 2000 AWACs in the aftermath of Balakot Strikes. Sweden neither has as much political influence as France, UK, Italy etc. nor the veto power in UN Security Council to lobby for India in case anything goes south. Furthermore India already has an increasing batch of the home grown single engine Tejas Mk1, so it makes sense not spending billions of dollars in a single engine foreign jet rather getting a twin-engine aircraft with more weapons package and endurance capabilities.
The Dassault Rafale is one of the true top contenders for the MRFA. Being one of the favorites from the cancelled MMRCA 1.0 to the 36 unit acquisition to yet another 26 units for the Marine variant, this jet has proven to be very compatible and comfortable in the Indian Air Force. Dassault Aviation had also set up a Rafale flight training and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Ambala Air Force Station, which could shape up to be much more valuable if the deal goes their way. The jets and pilots have acquainted themselves well in a short span of time and Rafales have taken part in various multilateral exercises till now. So it makes sense if this jet is given a priority preference considering how well it has made home here and he devastating firepower it carries. It is also the only aircraft in the arsenal which is able to carry aircraft-mobilized tactical nukes.
The Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon have been considered as two of the most formidable double-engine multirole fighters for a long time now. If the Typhoon makes its way to the MRFA finishing line, it would mean a huge additional bond to the existing foreign support from the Eurofighter consortium countries – UK, Spain, Italy and Germany and the multiple firms handling the project. This could also form bigger joint ventures among Indian private companies and BAE Systems, Airbus India etc. for maintenance operations. United Kingdom is currently leading the Eurofighter campaign in India and despite the ToT agreements, exact offers and clauses are classified, it would also mean the greenlight from all the associated countries regarding any decision or usage for the Typhoon. Germany had been the toughest barrier among them due to several instances of military weapons restriction towards India since we are a non-NATO country and potential concerns over human rights in the crossborder violations. But with the latest development being unfolded in April 2024, Germany eased up these restrictions while also relaxing small arms purchases and allowing streamlined purchase methods between both. Even for the latest bilateral visit of India to Germany, IAF Chief Marshal got aboard Typhoon and even that might add up to official reviews, although nothing has been stated publicly.
Finally the mighty Eagle, rather the EX Eagle II. Boeing is already doubling down their aggressive marketing to the MoD with both of their products and apparently from various reports, this contender is in a favourable spot along with the Rafale and Typhoon. This one is different from the competitors since it is also termed as a air-superiority aircraft. Comparatively larger, this jet comes close to the size of our Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs and so comes the increased capacity of destructive payload and long range endurance. Apart from the cost, this jet is a bag of advantages. Eagles are often compared just below F22s in maneuverability skills and is yet to have any recorded combat crash. With over 100 successful victories and 0 deaths, F15s are notoriously legendary. In maximum payload mode, it can carry upto 16 air-to-air AMRAAMs which is 4x of a Tejas Mk1 capacity. If it cracks the deal, India would get its first platform to have the M61A1 Gatling gun which has a fire rate of 6000 rounds per minute – one of the crucial reasons this jet is the king of dogfights. Jet so powerful even the USA is still producing and upgrading these machines to take place in F35A missions due to better operability, endurance and greater weapons payload. Its engine maker Pratt & Whitney, owned by Raytheon is also pitching it as the right choice for the MRFA, and also has an R&D centre in Bengaluru.
Whatever the official reviews and judgements would be, actual work regarding these run much deeper, all under military classification unknown to the public media. Budget is always a issue and MRFA is kinda delayed too while projects of Tejas Mk2, AMCA, TEDBF etc. are gaining traction. The +114 deal is a much needed contract to make our squadrons healthy once again and not worry about the balance of upgrade halts, generation reduction and probability of 100% success rate in a particular mission. As of now, firms in contention are also pretty much engaged in aggressive pitching for the respective jets in competition. Russia as much as it has been a forever ally, is already in a pinch of economy and sanctions. On the other hand US’ Lockheed Martin and Boeing have better track records in foreign military deals but also cost way more. F-21 indeed is an unique proposition being a ‘Make in India’ initiative with no physical model as of now, yet sentiment might play a factor because after all it is a F-16 upgrade and India has got that exceptional tag of having Pak F16 Killer MiG-21s. The plane which is operated by one of our archnemesis enemies and yet we are also wanting that plane – the same plane we killed with one of old generation flying coffin. Boeing itself is stuck among its brand issues, whistleblowers and lawsuits because of absurd crashes in its commercial flight lines but its offerings to India are undoubtedly two of the bests. The other three European jets enjoy their own pros and cons and time will tell what fares and what not. Surely Ministry of Defence would also keep in mind to plan the future procurement of respective weapons payload i.e. Vympel R73s, R77s etc. if a Russian jet wins or AIM 9s, 120 AMRAAMs etc. if an American jet wins. At the end of day, it would lie on the budget, Air Force pilots and personnel preference, operational capabilities and integration operability with IAF systems etc.
