The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for its Medium Range Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program later this year. This significant procurement, aimed at acquiring 114 indigenously manufactured jets with technology transfer, is expected to reshape the IAF’s combat capabilities.
Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the Rafale fighter, has already delivered 36 aircraft to India, incorporating India-specific enhancements in the F4 standard over the baseline F3R configuration. The French aerospace giant will now be offering a hybrid variant of the F4 standard for the MRFA program, incorporating certain features from the upcoming F5 standard, slated for the French Air Force in 2030.
This proposal positions Dassault as a strong contender for the MRFA contract, offering India access to cutting-edge technology. Additionally, the company has expressed interest in developing a drone to complement the Rafale, drawing upon the experience gained from the Neuron Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator program.
Thales, the radar supplier for the Rafale, is committed to enhancing the RBE2 AESA radar to meet the specific requirements of the IAF. This technological upgrade will further bolster the capabilities of the Rafale in the Indian context.
As the IAF moves forward with the MRFA program, the competition among global aerospace giants is intensifying. Dassault’s offering, coupled with its existing partnership with India, places it in a strong position to secure a substantial share of this lucrative contract.
