The Indian Air Force (IAF) intends to induct new multi-role fighter planes over the next four to five years via a fast-tracked worldwide tender.
The move is critical as the IAF’s fleet shrinks owing to the retirement of older MiG series aircraft and delays in the introduction of indigenous aircraft such as the TEJAS MK-1 and MK-1A. A high-level committee led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has suggested the purchase of 114 multi-role fighter planes to improve combat capabilities and squadron strength over the next decade, in addition to indigenous fighters such as the TEJAS MK-1A and MK-2.
The MRFA acquisition is crucial because the IAF wants to retain operational preparedness for future two-front battles with China and Pakistan, as well as accomplish its goal of 60 squadrons by 2047.
The IAF’s current squadron strength has reduced to 31 from an authorised 42 owing to the retirement of ageing aircraft like as the MiG series, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29. Ten additional squadrons are set to retire by 2037.
Indigenous programs like as the HAL TEJAS MK-1A and MK-2 have experienced delays, impeding fleet modernisation efforts.
The F-15EX Strike Eagle is a remarkable new participant into this tournament. However, all participating enterprises must adhere to India’s “Make in India” policy, which requires local manufacturing partnerships.
The IAF is also extensively investing in indigenous programs, such as the TEJAS MK-2, which is slated to make its first flight in 2026 and go into full production in 2029. This aircraft will replace previous platforms such as Jaguars and Mirage 2000s. enhanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is India’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter with enhanced capabilities, scheduled for serial production by 2028.
The procurement timetable may be delayed owing to COVID-19-related global supply chain problems and geopolitical issues, which mostly affect US military industries. Balancing indigenous development with current operating requirements remains a significant problem.
The IAF plans to have 60 fighter aircraft squadrons by 2047, which will be critical for dealing with a two-front conflict scenario. However, it is projected to withdraw ten fighter aircraft units by 2037. The Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29 fleets are set to retire within the next decade.
The worldwide tender is anticipated to include aircraft such as the Rafale, Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, and F-16, all of which have been assessed in prior contests. Notably, Boeing’s F-15 Strike Eagle is projected to be a new entrant in this tender. To speed the process, the IAF intends to undertake restricted trials to examine the capabilities of the participating aircraft.
Despite these efforts, obstacles remain because to supply chain concerns impacting American enterprises, which are worsened by the COVID-19 epidemic and obligations to support friends fighting in Europe and the Middle East. Currently, the IAF has inducted just 36 Rafale aircraft, giving it a strategic advantage in the area. The dependence on indigenous projects, like as fighter planes and engines, is vital to reaching the target squadron strength.
The F-15E is a highly adaptable and sophisticated dual-role fighter capable of performing both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, making it a strong competitor in current combat circumstances.
It is designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions and performs well in all weather, day and night, thanks to advanced avionics and electrical equipment. Its two-seat arrangement, which includes a pilot and a weapons systems officer, improves mission effectiveness and situational awareness. The aircraft’s strong Pratt & Whitney engines allow for speeds up to Mach 2.5 and a range of 2,762 miles with external tanks, assuring long-range operating capabilities.
The Strike Eagle is equipped with a variety of precision-guided munitions and modern radar systems like as the APG-82(V)1 AESA radar, providing great lethality and targeting accuracy. Its survivability is further strengthened with the Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) and stealth characteristics such as decreased radar cross-sections. The aircraft also has technology like Link 16 and beyond-line-of-sight SATCOM to improve communication and interoperability.
The F-15E’s modular architecture enables rapid reconfiguration between missions, providing a broad range of tactical duties. It has a large armament that includes AIM-9 Sidewinders, AIM-120 AMRAAMs, and air-to-surface missiles such as the AGM-158 JASSM.
The fighter’s ability to survive 9G movements over its flying envelope demonstrates its agility in combat situations. These capabilities collectively define the F-15E Strike Eagle as a strong and versatile platform capable of meeting a wide range of current warfare needs.
The F-15E Strike Eagle has numerous important characteristics that make it a good challenger for current air forces:
With over a hundred air-to-air kills and no aerial combat casualties, the F-15 platform has shown to be successful in real-world operations.
