Western countries and some Indian defense analysts are trying to downplay a new Chinese aircraft of unspecified generation that has taken social media by storm. However, it is difficult to deny that a series of failures in the acquisition process have left the Indian Air Force (IAF) stilted and powerless.
Air Marshal M Matheswaran (retired), who oversaw the bidding process for the IAF’s 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), says it was not the right decision not to go ahead with the contract despite a lengthy acquisition process.
“The MMRCA should have been passed. It was a huge failure that it didn’t work out. It would have brought world-class manufacturing facilities to India and improved skills. It was a delaying strategy and should have been dealt with decisively by India,” Air Force Commander Matteshwaran told EuroAsian Times.
IAF proposed to acquire 126 Mirage 2000 II aircraft in August 2000. This proposal was scrapped in 2004 and in 2007 it was decided to acquire 126 aircraft under MMRCA. The MMRCA contract lasted nearly 15 years until the Indian government canceled the contract and purchased 36 Rafales directly from the French government.
By April 2010, the IAF had selected six candidate aircraft (Russia’s MiG-35, US Lockheed Martin F-16IN “Viper”, Boeing F-18E/F “Super Hornet”, France’s Rafale, EADS’ Euro Fighter Typhoon (Swedish JAS-39 “Gripen”) is based on the technical parameters of 643. The aircraft was tested in different terrains and climates ranging from high temperatures in the highlands of Ladakh in summer to sub-zero temperatures in winter.
Based on the technical assessment released by the IAF in April 2011, it was announced that the Rafale and Eurofighter had been shortlisted. Rafale was then identified as the lowest bidder, L1, and lengthy contract negotiations began.
According to media reports at the time, Dassault was reluctant to abide by the conditions set out in the initial bid, particularly the offset and technology transfer clauses.
According to the tender, 18 aircraft were to be purchased in flying condition and the remaining 108 aircraft were to be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a public sector aircraft manufacturer. However, Dassault was reluctant to cooperate with HAL.
In September 2016, the Indian government decided to cancel the contract and select 36 Rafale aircraft in flying condition for emergency procurement.
The IAF needed to meet urgent requirements and was facing a shortage of modern aircraft. However, the new contract to procure only 36 Rafales was controversial and reached the Supreme Court, delaying the procurement schedule.
The then IAF Chief of Air Marshal BS Dhanoa later said that had the Rafales been inducted in time, the outcome (of the 2019 Balakot airstrike) would have been skewed in India’s favor.
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France has delivered all 36 aircraft by December 2022. India has now signed a contract to procure 26 Rafale-M jets for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers.
Matheshwaran insists that was not the best option. “Choosing 36 Rafales was not the best option as it is not only expensive but also completely unprofitable for Indian industry. By postponing and then canceling the MMRCA of 126 aircraft, we has reached a predicament leading to urgent procurement of 36 Rafale aircraft,” he added.
IAF veterans believe that big-ticket defense contracts should be signed between governments, keeping in mind the strategic interests of the country.
Matheswaran said, “Big-ticket defense contracts should be done government-to-government because we have to put our national interest first and not prove to the world that our bidding system is the best.” “India needs to negotiate with two to three countries,” he said, adding that “India needs to negotiate with two to three countries.” At the same time, it provides maximum leverage. Those who meet our requirements and are ready for ToT should be asked to come and manufacture in India. There is no other way to revitalize our industry and attract a highly skilled workforce. ”
MRFA – MMRCA reborn
Despite acquiring 36 Rafales, the IAF’s fighter squadron has been drastically reduced. With fleet numbers down to 1965 strength levels and development of a new domestic light fighter already seven years away, immediate procurement was needed to fill the gap.
But there seems to be a lag, if not a slip, between the proverbial cup and the lips. The IAF announced an RFI for 114 Medium Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) in 2018, and the multi-billion dollar contract received an enthusiastic response from aircraft manufacturers around the world.
Leading candidates in this battle are Dassault’s Rafale, Boeing’s F-15EX, and Lockheed Martin’s F-21. Saab’s JAS-39 Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Russian Su-35 fighters are also participating. However, we are awaiting approval of the need from the Government of India.
The military has agreed to obtain an MRFA under the ‘Make in India’ policy under which the aircraft will be produced under license in India. The IAF hopes this will help carry out upgrades and modifications to the aircraft as required.
For the IAF to be recognized as a deterrent against the PLAAF (People’s Liberation Army Air Force), it needs many aircraft. The Indian Ministry of Defense has finally taken control of the issue. A National Defense Committee was established to investigate this issue, consisting of the Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
In a candid assessment of the IAF and its adversary, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, IAF Chief Air Force Commander Amar Preet Singh said in October: We were better than them a while ago, but we’re behind in that regard. I need to catch up. We are lagging behind when it comes to manufacturing (aircraft and equipment). ”
By the time India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) begins flying, China could field 1,000 J-20 Mighty Dragon fifth-generation jets.
The IAF chief stressed that the force is “able to hold on its own” given that India has no intention of going on the offensive.
The question remains: Even if they do not want to launch an attack against China, if they decide to open two fronts at the same time, the IAF will be able to fend for itself against two enemies armed to the teeth. Can you withstand it? The IAF must answer this question honestly without further delay.
Ritu Sharma has been writing about defense and foreign affairs for nearly 17 years. She holds a master’s degree in conflict studies and peace management from the University of Erfurt, Germany. Her areas of interest include the Asia-Pacific, the South China Sea, and aviation history. Contact her at ritu.sharma (at) mail.com.
