One of India’s most important defence procurement programs is the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program of the Indian Air Force, which aims to strengthen national security in a more complicated regional context and fill crucial capacity gaps. This thorough examination looks at the MRFA program’s current state, strategic significance, and possible future directions that strike a balance between domestic manufacturing capabilities and foreign acquisition.
The MRFA program, formerly called MMRCA 2.0 (Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft), is a significant defence procurement project that will purchase 114 cutting-edge fighter jets for almost $20 billion.
This initiative was born out of the government-to-government agreement with France to purchase 36 Rafale jets, which was cut short of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) larger needs. In order to upgrade its ageing fleet and fill capability gaps, the IAF intends to gradually introduce these aircraft into six squadrons.
This significant procurement effort formally began in April 2019 when the Indian Air Force released a Request for Information (RFI). To this first tender, eight Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) replied: Lockheed Martin, using the
The program is being “progressed” under India’s “Make in India” framework, according to government statements to a parliamentary standing committee. This approach mirrors the strategy employed for the C295 military transport aircraft program, which balances off-the-shelf acquisition with domestic manufacturing components. Despite the program’s strategic importance, it has yet to receive the crucial Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) clearance, which would pave the way for the Cabinet Committee on Security’s approval and issuance of formal Request for Proposals.
Given the IAF’s present squadron strength, the MRFA procurement takes a special urgency. The IAF currently maintains about 31 fighter squadrons, compared to an allowed strength of 42 squadrons that are thought to be required to successfully oppose a two-front threat scenario. This represents a significant capability gap that continues to widen as older platforms like the MiG-21, MiG-27, and Jaguar aircraft approach the end of their operational service life.
Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari highlighted this concern in December 2022, warning that the shortage of fighter squadrons must be addressed on priority “to retain our combat edge”. This state
Strategic Significance of the MRFA Initiative
Given the changing dynamics of regional security, the MRFA program is strategically significant for India’s defence capabilities. The MRFA and domestic TEJAS MK-2 programs are essential to the IAF’s modernisation and combat readiness, as Air Chief Marshal AP Singh most recently underlined on April 13, 2025. “The Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) is needed along with the TEJAS MK-2 program,” the Air Chief Marshal said, emphasising that the IAF’s capability development would continue on course provided both programs moved forward in accordance with predetermined schedules.
frontrunner for the larger IAF contract in terms of strategic importance.
A crucial aspect of the MRFA program is striking a balance between developing India’s domestic aerospace capabilities and meeting urgent operational demands through foreign purchase. The government could think about purchasing fifth-generation fighter aircraft “over the counter” without “losing time” if the MRFA project has delays comparable to those of other indigenous programs, according to the parliamentary standing committee, which was led by BJP MP Jual Oram.
The lengthy delivery schedules for the first 40 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and the drawn-out development of the domestic Kaveri jet engine are only two examples of the delays in India’s domestic aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that are reflected in this recommendation. These experiences have led to a practical understanding that, even while domestic development is still a strategic priority, India’s current security situation may occasionally call for quicker foreign acquisitions.
The Rafale Factor and Possible Collaborations
There is a great deal of potential for operational and logistical synergies with the current IAF Rafale fleet thanks to the recent acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine fighters for maritime missions. Because it avoids introducing a whole new aircraft type with the related logistics and maintenance problems, this procurement decision displays a smart approach to platform commonality.
The IAF’s current 36 Rafale fighters stationed at Ambala and Hasimara airbases have a lot in common with the Rafale-Marine jets, which are built for marine strike, air defence, and reconnaissance missions. This similarity opens the door to shared maintenance facilities, integrated spare parts inventories, and unified training programs, all of which could result in considerable cost savings and operational efficiencies.
This synergy would be further increased if the Rafale is eventually chosen for the MRFA program. An extensive domestic production and maintenance infrastructure would be strongly supported by a combined fleet of more than 140 Rafale versions, including 36 current IAF Rafales, 26 Naval Rafale-Marines, and 114 prospective MRFA Rafales. Given that its French production facilities are apparently running at full capacity with current orders, this magnitude would make Dassault’s decision to build manufacturing operations in India justifiable.
A Revolutionary Chance: Made in India for the World
The scope of the MRFA program offers India’s aerospace manufacturing industry a game-changing opportunity, especially if it is unified around a single platform like the Rafale. Establishing a joint venture manufacturing plant in collaboration with India’s private sector, modelled after the C295 program, could create a production hub for both domestic and possibly international export markets.
Such an approach would align with the “Make in India for the World” vision, transferring advanced manufacturing technologies and processes to India’s industrial base. This would particularly benefit the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, which forms the backbone of India’s industrial ecosystem. The creation of high-skilled jobs, development of advanced
Furthermore, the contract could potentially be linked to critical aerospace technology transfers, particularly in areas like aero-engine development where India has historically faced challenges. While complete technology transfer might require additional contractual arrangements and investments, the scale of the combined naval and air force procurement creates substantial leverage for meaningful technology acquisition in critical domains.
Integration With Indigenous Fighter Programs
A key consideration for the MRFA program is its relationship with India’s indigenous fighter development initiatives, particularly the TEJAS MK-2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The Air Chief Marshal has emphasised that the MRFA and TEJAS MK-2 programs are complementary rather than competitive, with both being essential to meeting the IAF’s overall requirements.
The TEJAS MK-2, slated to begin production by 2028 according to current projections, represents a major advancement in India’s indigenous fighter capabilities. Along with the possible 114 MRFA fighters, this platform will make up a significant amount of the IAF’s future combat fleet, with plans to induct at least 120 TEJAS MK-2 aircraft. The ageing MiG-21, MiG-27, and Jaguar fighters would be progressively replaced by these platforms, which would eventually replace the MiG-29 and Mirage-2000H aircraft as well.
India may be able to streamline its domestic fighter development by concentrating resources on the TEJAS MK-1A and AMCA and cancelling the TEJAS MK-2, according to some strategic analysts. This kind of simplification could focus research and development resources on the
most promising platforms while using the MRFA acquisition to satisfy urgent operational needs. But according to the Air Chief Marshal’s recent remarks, MRFA and TEJAS MK-2 are still essential components of the IAF’s modernisation plan.
In conclusion
An important turning point in India’s defence modernisation process is the MRFA program of the Indian Air Force. As regional security issues worsen and squadron strength falls well short of approved levels, it is now operationally necessary to acquire sophisticated multi-role jets as soon as possible. The recent acquisition of Rafale-Marine fighters for naval operations potentially creates strategic synergies that could influence the MRFA decision.
The program offers a unique opportunity to balance immediate security requirements with long-term industrial development through meaningful technology transfer and manufacturing localisation. By pursuing a “Make in India for the World” approach, particularly if consolidated around a single platform like the Rafale, India could establish itself as a significant global aerospace manufacturing hub while addressing its critical defence needs.
However, decisive action is required to move the program forward. The pending Acceptance of Necessity clearance, followed by issuance of formal Request for Proposals, represents essential next steps in translating strategic intent into operational capability. As regional security dynamics continue to evolve and ol
IDN
is getting smaller. The Indian government’s approach to this procurement will significantly influence not only the IAF’s combat capability but also the trajectory of India’s broader aerospace manufacturing ambitions for decades to come.
