Business · India Bureau
IAF Eyes Multi-Role Fighter Deal Completion This Financial Year
India's Air Force chief has signalled that the contentious multi-role fighter aircraft acquisition could be finalised within the current financial year. The timeline aims to bridge potential gaps if the indigenous AMCA programme faces delays.
LSN India ·
The Indian Air Force is targeting completion of its multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) procurement process before the end of the current financial year, according to Chief of Air Staff A.P. Singh. The accelerated timeline reflects New Delhi's determination to bolster its combat fleet amid evolving regional security dynamics.
The MRFA acquisition has been under consideration for several years as the IAF seeks to induct advanced fighter platforms to supplement and eventually replace older variants in service. The procurement exercise has seen multiple extensions and revisions as the service evaluates technical specifications and vendor capabilities.
Official sources indicated that Russia's Su-57 stealth fighter remains among the options being evaluated, particularly as a contingency should the ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) development programme experience delays. The indigenously-developed AMCA is central to India's long-term fighter modernisation strategy, though its operational timeline remains uncertain.
The push to finalise MRFA procurement reflects broader defence modernisation priorities under New Delhi's "Make in India" framework, balanced against the immediate operational requirements of the three services. Defence analysts note that securing the right fighter platform remains critical given the gap between India's current fleet strength and projected future requirements across the Indo-Pacific region.