Aerospace

IAF to acquire 114 fighter jets for Rs 1.5 lakh crore, 96 of them to be made in India

Indian Navy to buy Rafale M fighter plane after IAF?

The Indian Air Force’s current acquisition plan is reaching critical decisions. The Indian Air Force plans to purchase 114 fighter jets, 96 of which will be constructed in India and the remaining 18 would be acquired from a foreign vendor.

Most aircraft manufacturers will not commit to build a few aircraft in any country. However, as Dassault previously stated, they will plan to build in India if they receive a minimum of 100 aircraft. Other manufacturers may follow a similar investment and technology transformation plan.

The Indian Air Force intends to purchase 114 Multirole Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) under the ‘Buy Global, Make in India’ scheme, which allows Indian firms to collaborate with foreign firms.

According to the plan, once the initial 18 aircraft are imported, the next 36 aircraft will be constructed in the nation, with payments made in both foreign and Indian currencies, 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 essential.

The 36 Rafale aircraft purchased under emergency orders aided much in retaining an advantage over the Chinese throughout the Ladakh crisis that began in 2020, but the numbers are insufficient, and more such capabilities will be necessary.

The force has already placed orders for 83 LCA Mk 1A planes, but it still needs more capable planes because a substantial number of MiG series jets 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.

The total cost of the agreement is expected to be approximately Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The Indian Air Force is considering purchasing these Multirole Fighter Aircraft under the Buy India, Make in India initiative. Indian enterprises will be able to work with a foreign vendor to build these planes under this system. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Saab MIG Irkut Corporation, and Dassault Aviation are among the global aircraft manufacturers anticipated to participate in the tender process.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.