RAF Eurofighter Typhoon preparing to land after first flight with Meteor air-to-air missile.
The Telegraph had recently reported (Cash crunch stalls Tejas, 06 Feb 2006) that Air headquarters is studying whether it should actually work to acquire more — about 200 — aircraft. Aviation Week and Space Technology has now confirmed the Telegraph report. In addition, AW&ST has reported that IAF my buy from 2-3 suppliers.
The rationale for revision
Both the increase in the number of MRCA's to be purchased as well the intend to purchase them from 2-3 suppliers are logical.
The need to increase the number of aircraft being purchased is mandated by the inordinate delays in the procurement process, steady depletion of the IAF fighter fleet and uncertainties associated with the Tejas program.
At first glance the inclination of the IAF to procure from multiple suppliers could raise concerns since the IAF, which already flies 26 different aircraft types, will be adding to its logistics and maintenance woes. However, such concerns could turn out to be unfounded since it is likely that just one of the 2-3 MRCA types that the IAF will purchase will be totally new to the force. Additional MRCA procured would probably be news Mirage 2000 and or MiG-29 variants and these cannot strictly be construed as new types.
Let me elaborate on why I think it makes sense if the MRCA procurement includes multiple types.
The need to establish defense ties with the US, the fact that the twin engine F/A-18E/F packs the most deadly punch from amidst the contenders and the need to acquire its AESA radar collectively make a compelling case for its selection as the new type that the IAF inducts.
As I have previously stated in Russia to showcase super maneuverable MiG-29 OVT at MAKS 2005, the one big problem with buying 200 Super Hornets will be the cost of such a procurement. At $60 million a piece we are talking an astounding $12 billion!
It, therefore, makes eminent sense for the IAF to include other cheaper types like the MiG-35 and / or Mirage 2000 V in the procurement and thereby reduce the overall. Doing so will also reduce dependence on the US whose reliability as a defense supplier continues to be very suspect. There is a need to engage the US, definitely not marry it! Besides, we need the Hornets but not so many of them.
Buying additional MiG-29 / Mirage 2000 variants will also build on existing investments and keep our current defense partners in good humor.
Rafale B301 above Bordeaux, France.
Rafale and Typhoon too are in contention
What is somewhat inexplicable is that the AW&ST report has also suggested that Dassault Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon are now in contention. That perhaps is the reason that the request for proposals has been delayed and is now expected about July, rather than in March!
The inclusion of new aircraft types into the procurement process at this late stage, if true, is indeed unfortunate. It seems so much like chasing a moving target, something that only makes sense when you are sitting in a fighter cockpit! It would have been more logical for the IAF and the government to quickly complete the procurement of the 126 MRCAs and then initiate a new procurement that included the Rafale and Eurofighter.
Copyright © Vijainder K Thakur. May not be reproduced without explicit written permission.