India Wants the F-35 and Su-57: Is Rafale No Longer Enough?

The current agreement limits the purchase to 60 Rafale-F4 units, despite Dassault Aviation’s efforts to secure a sizable Rafale order and the establishment of a complete assembly line in India.

India has been increasing its efforts to modernize its air force since the Pahalgam terror attack in April of this year, which prompted Operation Sindoor.

The drive for fifth-generation fighter jets is a crucial component of India’s current strategy. Now, the emphasis is on obtaining cutting-edge stealth fighters through both foreign and domestic development.

Under the Multirole Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, India had previously authorized the purchase of 114 fighter jets, with the Rafale F-4 being the top candidate.

However, the IAF has made a significant change by choosing to priorities’ fifth-generation stealth aircraft over the Rafale.

The procurement procedure is now divided into two sections as a result of this change. Under a government-to-Government (G2G) agreement, India will purchase 60 Rafale-F4 aircraft directly from France.

The remaining 54 aircraft, which are classified as fifth generation, will be purchased from Russia (Su-57) or the United States (F-35). The goal of the modification is to close the combat readiness gap in the IAF as soon as possible.

Only 31 squadrons make up the Indian Air Force’s current operational strength, far less than the 42 squadrons that are needed.

Given that both China and Pakistan are updating their fleets, this deficit is crucial. Pakistan is anticipated to purchase the J-35, while China has already introduced stealth aircraft such as the J-20 and J-35.

The current agreement limits the purchase to 60 Rafale-F4 units, despite Dassault Aviation’s efforts to secure a sizable Rafale order and the establishment of a complete assembly line in India.

Under the Make in India initiative, some parts will be produced domestically; the fuselage and other major parts are anticipated to be produced by TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).

The Rafale-F4 has contemporary avionics and electronic warfare systems that put it on the verge of being a fifth-generation jet, even though it does not quite fit that description.

In addition to the Rafale agreement, India is acting swiftly to complete the purchase of two complete squadrons of fifth-generation stealth fighters.

Since France’s Rafale does not meet fifth generation standards, the F-35 and Su-57 are the two most popular options. Still in the running is Russia’s Su-57, a true fifth generation aircraft.

Domestic capabilities are now a key component of India’s defence strategy. Integrating Indian-made avionics, electronic systems, and weapons into any purchased foreign aircraft is the main goal.

This is meant to lower expenses, increase independence, and strengthen domestic defense production.

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s domestic fifth-generation fighter project, is still under development at the same time. Before AMCA is prepared for deployment, it might take almost ten years.

The updated MRFA plan will use a combination of 60 Rafale-F4 aircraft, 54 fifth generation fighters, and a greater emphasis on domestic manufacturing to meet short-term demands.

Dassault’s chances of landing a big Rafale deal may be diminished by this realignment, but it is thought to be essential to fulfil the IAF’s pressing operational needs.