India's Air Force intends to build 96 fighter jets

• Image Credit: Internet

• Jun 12, 2022 | Poonam Nath

Digital Desk: The Indian Air Force is intending to acquire
114 fighter jets as part of PM Narendra Modi's Aatmanirbhar Bharat scheme, of
which 96 will be produced in India and the other 18 will be bought from the
foreign vendor chosen for the project.

The Indian Air Force intends to buy 114 Multirole Fighter
Aircraft (MRFA) under the 'Buy Global, Make in India' scheme, which allows
Indian companies to work with global vendors.

"Recently, the Indian Air Force held meetings with
the foreign vendors and asked them about the way they would carry out the Make
in India project," According to the Indian Air force.

The aim is for the next 36 aircraft to be constructed in
the country after the first 18 are imported, with payments made in both foreign
and Indian currency, according to the sources.

According to the sources, the Indian partner would be
responsible for the final 60 aircraft, and the government would only make
payments in Indian currency.

The payment in Indian currency will aid the suppliers in
achieving the project's above 60% "Make-in-India" content, according
to the sources.

Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Saab, MiG, Irkut Corporation, and
Dassault Aviation are among the global aircraft manufacturers likely to
participate in the tender.

For the Indian Air Force to preserve its advantage over
neighbouring adversaries Pakistan and China, these 114 fighter jets are
critical.

The 36 Rafale aircraft obtained under emergency orders
aided much in retaining an advantage over the Chinese throughout the Ladakh
crisis, which began in 2020, but the numbers are insufficient, and the country
will require additional such capacity.

The force has already placed orders for 83 LCA Mk 1A
aircraft, but it still needed a larger number of capable fighters because many
MiG series planes have been phased out or are nearing the end of their useful
lives.

The fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft
project is progressing satisfactorily, but it will take a long time before it
can be put into service.

According to the sources, the IAF is also searching for a
cost-effective answer for its fighter jet demand, as it wants a plane that is
inexpensive on operational costs and gives the service more capability.

The IAF is pleased with the Rafale fighter jets' operational
availability and expects a comparable capability in future aircraft.