Bad news for Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Not the F-35 or Su-57, India demands THIS supersonic fighter jet, Rajnath Singh likely to…it can travel…

New Delhi: The bankrupt Pakistan and the rest of the world witnessed the might of India’s Air Force during ‘Operation Sindoor’. The Indian Air Force launched precision attacks on nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK). Despite facing a shortage of fighter aircraft, the IAF demonstrated unmatched commitment and strength during the operation. According to the reports, India is now planning to further boost its aerial capabilities by bridging the gap in its fighter squadrons. The IAF is reportedly pushing for more Rafale fighter jets under the MRFA (Multi Role Fighter Aircraft) project.

The IAF has strongly advocated for a government-to-government deal with France to procure additional Rafale jets under its long-pending project to acquire 114 multi-role fighter aircraft. Most of these jets will be manufactured domestically with foreign collaboration. In other words, the Indian Air Force will soon be getting ‘Made-in-India’ Rafales.

Here are some of the key details:

  • India needs at least 42 fighter squadrons, but the Air Force currently has only 29.
  • Pakistan has 25 squadrons, while China has 66.
  • Both Pakistan and China possess 5th-generation fighter jets, whereas India does not have them yet.
  • India’s most advanced fighter aircraft at present is the Rafale — a 4.5-generation fighter jet.
  • The Air Force currently has two squadrons of these.

Which fighter jet is the IAF eyeing?

The Indian Air Force will push the MRFA (Multi Role Fighter Aircraft) project for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which is the first step in the lengthy procurement process, according to a Times of India report. This is expected to be approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) led by Rajnath Singh within a month or two.

The report has further added taht once the MRFA proposal reaches the DAC, the government will take the final decision. However, the IAF has assessed an immediate need for additional Rafale jets to prevent further depletion of its fighter squadron strength.

News