New multi-role fighter procurement model considered by government

• The Indian government is considering a transparent and noncontroversial procurement model for the acquisition of 114 multi-role fighter aircraft.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a shortage in its squadron strength and is seeking quick induction of jets.
• The government is focusing on a procurement process that ensures high level of indigenisation and is seized of the issue of IAF’s fighter squadrons.
• The Request For Information (RFI) for 114 MRFA was issued in April 2019 to global aircraft manufacturers, but the process has been delayed and the project has not received the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), the start point of the formal procurement process.
• The government is focusing on finding a safe and transparent procurement model.
• The IAF is currently at 30 fighter squadrons, against the sanctioned strength of 42, and is banking on accelerated deliveries of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) variants and early conclusion and induction of the MRFA.