[CLSTR]
< Back to all clusters
[BUSINESS] · India, United States, Russia, France · 2 sources

started · updated

Part of situation: Indian Air Force fighter fleet modernization (2 clusters)

Indian Air Force outlines major fighter jet and transport modernization roadmap

Indian Air Force MRFA programme fighter jet procurement defense modernization F-35

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced a modernization roadmap for the next two financial years, prioritizing the acquisition of fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters. A central component is the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, which seeks to procure 114 new jets. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh indicated that the IAF aims to finalize this deal within the current fiscal year, potentially involving the local production of Rafale jets through a partnership with France.

To address declining combat strength, the IAF is also pursuing a Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme to acquire up to 60 aircraft with a 18 to 30-tonne capacity. Additionally, the air force is upgrading its rotary-wing fleet through the induction of Light Utility Helicopters and the development of the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter.

Regarding stealth technology, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh noted that while Russia has offered Su-57 jets, no decision has been made. He also clarified that there is no formal offer from the United States for F-35 fighter jets, following recent participation of US F-35s in the Tarang Shakti exercise in Jodhpur.

Entities

AP Singh · France · Indian Air Force · Russia · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The Indian Air Force aims to sign a deal for 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) by the end of the current fiscal year. defence.in
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] There is currently no formal offer from the United States to provide F-35 stealth fighters to India. www.indiandefensenews.in
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The MRFA programme may involve local manufacturing of Rafale jets in partnership with France. defence.in
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Russia has offered Su-57 fighter jets to India, but no decision has been made regarding the offer. www.indiandefensenews.in

Sources

IAF Aims to Sign 114 MRFA Deal This Fiscal Year, Advance MTA and Helicopter Programmes in Two-Year Roadmap [defence.in]
Did The IAF Chief Just Reject The F-35? Evaluating Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet Options And Strategic Defence Collaborations [www.indiandefensenews.in]