Indian MRCA competition

The six competing MRCA aircraft. (L-R): Rafale, Typhoon, F-16C/D, F/A-18E/F, JAS 39 Gripen and MiG-35. (Note: Not an official logo)

The Indian Air Force Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) Competition, commonly known as the MRCA Tender, is an ongoing competition to supply the Indian Air Force with 126 Multi-Role Combat Aircraft. The Defence Ministry has allocated Rs. 42,000 crore for the purchase of these aircraft (Approx. US$10.5 billion).

There are six aircraft competing for this multi-billion dollar contract, which has been touted as India's single largest defence deal ever. These represent some of the latest combat aircraft being developed or fielded today.

Indian Air Force

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 forms the backbone of the Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force (Hindi: भारतीय वायु सेना: Bharatiya Vayu Sena) is the air-arm of the Armed Forces of India and has the primary responsibility of conducting aerial warfare, defending the Indian airspace, conducting strategic strikes inside enemy territory and providing aerial cover to ground troops. It was established on October 8, 1932 and is the fourth largest air force in the world, with a strength of 1,322 aircraft, including 625 combat aircraft and 305 helicopters. and presently operates a total of 42 squadrons.

Most of the IAF's 625 fighter jets are of Soviet/Russian origin. These include the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, Mikoyan MiG-27, Mikoyan MiG-29 as well as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. Added to these are the British SEPECAT Jaguar and French Mirage 2000 aircraft, produced under license.

The MiG-21 forms the backbone of the IAF, which currently operates more than 230 of the type. These aircraft were acquired in the late 1960s and early '70s, and performed well in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. However, they have been aging, and have mostly become obsolete. Added to that is a poor safety record, which has made their replacement paramount for the Indian Air Force.

Background

Sanctioned strength

File:Dassault Mirage 2000 2.jpg

Indian Mirage 2000

The Indian Air Force plays a crucial role in securing Indian airspace and also in India's power projection in South Asia and Indian Ocean. Therefore, modernizing and expanding the Indian Air Force is a top priority for the Indian government.

The minimum sanctioned strength of the IAF is 39.5 squadrons of combat aircraft, with a healthy level of 44 squadrons. However, this level was achieved only in the mid-80s, with the acquisition of the Mirage 2000s, MiG-29s and Jaguars. In addition, at the time, most IAF aircraft were comparatively new, being less than 10 years old. Most of the older aircraft would have become obsolete by the mid-90s, with the rest needing replacement by 2010.

However, these aircraft were not replaced, for reasons mentioned below, which led to frequent crashes and attrition losses. The Force levels have fallen to 32 combat squadrons, a big worry for the IAF. Further phasing out of aircraft has meant that the IAF now operates only 31 fighter squadrons, which represents a serious depletion of force levels. Even with the planned MMRCA procurement, the IAF will reach sanctioned strength only by 2017.

This has led to a threat to India's traditional air-superiority over Pakistan, and further erosion of its position as compared to China, another Asian power. The ratios of aircraft has fallen from 2.79:1 to around 1.30:1 and could potentially fall further to 1.15:1 in the coming years. For the first time, the PAF would be inducting BVR missiles with its purchase of 500 AIM-120C5 AMRAAM missiles. Pakistan's acquisition of 36 F-16C/D Block 52+ aircraft from the U.S., and future JF-17 Thunder production, along with China's much bigger and modernizing air force, has led to further concern from the IAF.

Experts estimate that for India to exert influence over South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, it would require at least 60 squadrons of aircraft performing multi-role combat, deep penetration strike, air superiority, air defence, reconnaissance and electronic warfare tasks. However, the IAF presently operates 45 aircraft squadrons, making the acquisition of new aircraft all the more vital.

"Flying coffins"

IAF MiG-21 Bison, the latest upgrade of IAF MiG-21s

Due to budgetary constraints — specifically, the economic problems in the early 90s — the refurbishment of old planes and purchase of new ones was halted. Added to this was the Disintegration of the Soviet Union, which led to severe shortage of aircraft spares, which rendered many of them unserviceable. By this time, most of the MiG-21s were reaching the end of their service life and needed to be phased out or upgraded.

This led to frequent crashes of aircraft, cannibalization of aircraft and low serviceability, all of which contributed to the rapid decline of the Force levels. The safety record of the IAF's MiG-21s and other older aircraft has raised concern in the Indian Parliament and media, leading to the aircraft sometimes being referred to in the media as "flying coffins". The age of the MiG-21s, and their safety record, led the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament to call for their immediate phase out in a March 2002 report. However, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy and Air Chief Marshal A.Y. Tipnis had stated that the aircraft were "fit to fly". Besides the raw age of the aircraft, their maintenance and upkeep had been called into question.

One source estimates that in the nine years from 1993 to 2002, the IAF lost over 100 pilots in 283 accidents. Around 50 pilots have been lost in MiG-21s alone. During its service life, the IAF has lost at least 116 aircraft to crashes (not including those lost in combat), with 81 of those occurring since 1990. This, predictably, led to much anguish and criticism among the Indian public and media, who, in the aftermath of the Kargil War, were much more concerned with the state of the Armed Forces and the emotive issue of loss of pilots.

The attrition was stemmed to some extent by extensive upgrade programs on the MiG-21 (bis upgrade), MiG-27, Jaguar (DARIN I upgrade) and other aircraft in the mid-90s. However, by the early 2000s, this crash rate had risen again, partly because of low-quality spares used, insufficient pilot training, inefficient aircraft health appraisals, all which led to many unsafe aircraft being allowed to fly with old airframes and engines.

An aggressive program of upgrades was initiated. The MiG-21bis aircraft have been upgraded to MiG-21 Bison levels (128 aircraft will be upgraded to that standard), Jaguars to DARIN II standards, and Mirage 2000s and MiG-27s were also upgraded. Along with that, a rigorous process of maintenance and quality control was initiated to ensure airworthiness. Older obsolete aircraft were also phased out. These steps led to the a drastic drop in accident rates, comparable to most other air forces. However, by this time, the Force levels had fallen drastically, which engendered the need to acquire new, modern aircraft.

Pilot training

HAL HJT-36 trainer aircraft

Other sources blame the accident rate on failures in the pilot training system, due to lack of Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs). This had led to trainee pilots jumping directly from subsonic HAL Kiran aircraft to the unforgiving and challenging Mach-2-capable MiGs. This was exacerbated by severe delays in the acquisition of BAe Hawk 132 AJTs.

This deal for 66 AJTs has been one of the most protracted negotiations in aviation history. Although the IAF projected the requirement in 1984, the deal was signed only in March 2004. This led to widespread criticism of the Ministry of Defence by the public and the Defence staff alike. The IAF will receive 24 aircraft directly from BAE Systems starting in 2007 and another 42 will be assembled by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) during 2008-10.

Added to this was the loss of valuable MiG-21UM trainer jets, which denied pilots enough training on the MiG-21. The loss of these aircraft in crashes also claimed the lives of highly-skilled instructors as well.

LCA Delayed

HAL Tejas (LCA) prototype in flight. The Tejas was to have replaced the IAF MiG-21s

The IAF had initially planned to replace the MiG-21 fleet with the indigenously-built HAL Tejas (LCA) aircraft by 2006. The project was crippled in the early 90s (1991-1993) due to the weak Indian economy which led to a fund crunch.

Once full funding was restarted in June 1993, the schedule was revised to induction by 2003. However, the target could not be met due to developmental delays and U.S. sanctions following the Pokhran II nuclear tests, which blocked the development of the FBW Flight Control System and the delivery of GE F404 engines — both crucial components of the aircraft. This meant that the IAF would have to take other steps to stem the decline in numbers.

The Tejas finally flew on January 4, 2001. Induction is expected to commence only in 2010.

Requirements

The IAF projected a requirement for about 126 aircraft in 2001, when the strength was at 39.5 squadrons (down from 45). There is an option for an additional 74 aircraft. Initial requirements appeared to be for a 20-ton class fighter aircraft with the Mirage 2000 as the strongest contender. However, the 20-ton MTOW limit requirement has reportedly been removed. Also, considering the delays in the bidding, it is very likely that the LCA would be ready for induction by then. The IAF then would require replacements for its frontline strike aircraft like the MiG-27 and Jaguar, which would be retiring by 2015. India's indigenous Medium Combat Aircraft and the Indo-Russian joint 5th-generation aircraft projects are unlikely to be ready before 2020, thus providing the need for a replacement. Thus, the MRCA tender is more likely to be a medium-weight aircraft (MTOW of ~24 tons). This has led to a renaming of the competition as the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender.

The Indian government has officially stated that it would require 100% Transfer of Technology (ToT), as well as license manufacturing permission for the aircraft. It has stated that the first squadron of aircraft will be bought directly from the manufacturer, while later versions will be built in India, by HAL, initially from kits, and later, on its own.

The IAF was keen on buying the Mirage 2000-5, after it was impressed by the Mirage 2000's capabilities during the Kargil War. However, due to the upcoming manufacture of the Dassault Rafale and lack of orders, the Mirage production lines were to be closed down. French officials stated that they could be kept open if India had made a firm commitment. However, the Indian Government decided to go in for a multi-vendor tendering process. Requests for Information (RFI) were issued in 2004. The RFIs were initially sent to four vendors: Dassault (Mirage 2000-5 Mk.2), Lockheed Martin (F-16C and D), Saab (JAS 39 Gripen) and Mikoyan (MiG-29OVT).

Due to the tendering process and delay in issuing the RFIs, Dassault decided to remove the Mirage 2000-5 from the bidding process and enter the Rafale in its place. The MiG-35 was entered in place of the prototype MiG-29OVT. Eurofighter Typhoon also expressed interest in entering the bidding, and have entered their aircraft into the competition. With the signing of the July 2005 Indo-U.S. nuclear deal, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet also joined the tendering. The U.S. offered its latest AN/APG-79 AESA radar as well.

Bidders

Six aircraft are competing for the order - the Saab Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, Mikoyan MiG-35 and the American F-16IN and F/A-18IN (a version of the Super Hornet). Up to now, Mikoyan and Dassault have been regular suppliers of aircraft for the Indian Air Force and in terms of transfers of technology, licensed production in India, personnel training, supply of spare parts, maintenance and upgrading.

IAF pilots and technicians are familiar with earlier aircraft from those two aircraft manufacturers, and would need minimal retraining. Infrastructural and logistical support for maintenance and spares would also be easier for these aircraft compared to the unfamiliar Gripen, Typhoon, F-16 and F/A-18.

Dassault Rafale

Dassault Rafale

Main article: Dassault Rafale

The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engined delta-wing agile multi-role fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation. The Rafale was brought in as the replacement for the Mirage 2000-5 that was originally a competitor for the tender, after the production lines for the Mirage closed down, as well as the entry of much more advanced aircraft into the competition.

The Rafale has the advantage of being logistically and operationally similar to the Mirage 2000, which the IAF already operates, and has used with great success during the Kargil War (see Operation Safed Sagar). This would require fewer changes in the existing infrastructure of the IAF, which in turn will reduce cost. The Rafale type, at 30,000 EUR per hour, is cheaper to fly than any of its competitors. Moreover, being 100 per cent French also provided Dassault a distinct edge over its competitors on the issue of technology transfer. Dassault claims that the Rafale has an advantage over many of the competitors because it is not subject to ITAR restrictions.

The French government has cleared full technology transfer of the Rafale to India, including that of the RBE2-AA Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar (which will be integrated with the Rafale by 2010) and the transfer of software source codes, which will allow Indian scientists to re-programme a radar or any sensitive equipment if need be. Without the software source codes, the IAF would have to specify mission parameters to foreign manufacturers to enable configuration of their radar, seriously compromising security in the process.

Dassault has also offered to fit the Kaveri engine into the Rafale, which, if chosen, which would greatly improve commonality with the Tejas aircraft that will enter service into the IAF by 2010. Concerns have been raised about cost issues as well as potential sales to Pakistan, which has also expressed interest in the Rafale. However, no such jets have been sold to Pakistan, and India and France have recently agreed to "go beyond a buyer-seller relationship".

Eurofighter Typhoon

Eurofighter Typhoon

Main article: Eurofighter Typhoon

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine multi-role canard-delta strike fighter aircraft, designed and built by a consortium of European aerospace manufacturers through Eurofighter GmbH. For the Indian tender, EADS has been leading the contract negotiations, although there have been reports that India has requested that BAE Systems take over contract negotiations.

Eurofighter is offering the Tranche-3 Typhoon for the Indian requirement, equipped with the Captor-E (CAESAR) AESA radar. EADS has invited India to become a "partner" of the Eurofighter Typhoon programme if the Typhoon wins the contract, and will be given technological and development participation in future tranches of the Typhoon.

Lockheed Martin F-16IN

See also: F-16 Fighting Falcon § F-16E and F-16F

File:F-16e block60 2.jpg

The F-16IN will be very similar to the United Arab Emirates F-16 Block 60

India initially sent the RFI for a F-16C/D Block 52+ configuration aircraft. On January 17, 2008, Lockheed Martin offered a customized version of the F-16, the F-16IN for the Indian MMRCA contract. The F-16IN, which is similar to the F-16 Block 60, will be a 4.5 generation aircraft. Lockheed Martin has stated that it will be the most advanced F-16 variant developed. It will be more advanced than the F-16 Block 52s that the Pakistan Air Force has acquired.

Lockheed Martin has described the F-16IN as “the most advanced and capable F-16 ever.” Based closely on the F-16E/F Block 60 as supplied to the UAE, the features on the F-16IN include:

• Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs) - This will give the F-16IN a combat range of 1700 km with 1500 kg weapons load.
• A Northrop Grumman AN/APG-80 AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar.[5] This is the same radar in service on the F-16 Block 60s in service in UAE.
• General Electric F110-132A engine with 143 kN full reheat thrust with FADEC Controls.
• Electronic warfare suites and infra-red searching.
• Advanced all-color glass cockpit.
• Helmet-mounted cueing system.

Lockheed Martin has offered to sell India the F-35 Lightning II aircraft in the future, as replacements, if the F-16 is chosen.

However, some reports indicate that the Indian Air Force is not too keen on buying the F-16, since the Pakistan Air Force already operates the same type, and, having had exercises along with F-16s of the USAF, RSAF and other air forces. The capabilities of the F-16 appear to be similar to the Mirage 2000s that the IAF currently operates. The F-16 is also more prone to pilot errors than the Mirage 2000H, which would also work against the F-16.

Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

F/A-18F Super Hornet

Main article: F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

The U.S. Navy operates over 340 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets (with 411 on order), and is presently the only user of the aircraft. Australia is buying 24 F/A-18Fs, and Boeing is trying to gain other contracts as well. The MMRCA contract represents a prime opportunity for U.S. defence companies to gain a foothold in the Indian defence market, which is estimated to be about US$100 billion in the next 10 years.

Initially, the Request for Information (RFI) was not issued to Boeing, which decided to field the Super Hornet. The U.S. Government allowed Boeing to participate in the RFI, and later gave permission for RFP as well. However, any sale of aircraft will need to be approved by the U.S. Congress.

Initial reactions within the IAF were enthusiastic, although there were apprehensions of support issues in case of future sanctions. There were concern over the availability of the Super Hornet's APG-79 AESA radar, but export of the radar has been approved by the U.S. government. The US has stated that there would be some restrictions and pre-conditions for the purchase of the aircraft.

On 24 April 2008, Boeing (through the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi) submitted their 7000-page proposal to the Ministry of Defence, before the April 28 deadline for the submission for proposals. The Super Hornet variant being offered to India, the F/A-18IN, is based on the F/A-18E/F model flown by the U.S. Navy and currently being built for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Raytheon's APG-79 AESA radar is being offered on the aircraft. There will be a limited ToT on the radar, up to the level approved by the US Government. However, Raytheon has stated that the level of ToT offered will be compliant with the RFP requirements. Delivery of the first F/A-18IN Super Hornets can begin approximately 36 months after contract award.

Boeing has proposed joint manufacture of the jets with Indian partners. It also plans to offset the cost by setting up a US$100 million maintenance and training hub in Nagpur. This is the first time the Super Hornet has been offered for production in a foreign country. On 14 February 2008, Boeing and Tata Industries agreed to form a joint-venture company. The new entity, which will be formed in June 2008, will supply components for Boeing military aircraft, including the Super Hornet.

In order to satisfy its offset requirements, Boeing has signed long-term partnership agreements with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Tata Industries, and Larsen and Toubro, who will play a significant role in production and assembly of the aircraft.

Saab Gripen

JAS 39 Gripen

Main article: JAS 39 Gripen

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen (Griffin or "Gryphon") is a fighter aircraft manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. The aircraft is in service with the Swedish, Czech, Hungarian and the South African air forces, and has been ordered by the Royal Thai Air Force.

The Gripen was one of the aircraft that the IAF sent the Request for Information. The Gripen participated at Aero India 2007, where JAS 39C (single seater) and JAS 39D (two-seater) variants were brought. Gripen International is offering the Gripen IN, a version of the Gripen NG (Next Generation) for India's competition. The Gripen NG has increased fuel capacity, more powerful powerplant, higher payload, upgraded avionics and other improvements.

Mikoyan MiG-35

Main article: Mikoyan MiG-35

The Mikoyan MiG-35 (Russian: Микоян МиГ-35) (NATO reporting name Fulcrum-F) is the production version of the latest MiG-29 and incorporates mature development of the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-29K/KUB technology, such as glass cockpit and fly-by-wire technology. The IAF already operates 65 MiG-29s, and the Navy has ordered 16 MiG-29Ks for its aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov).

Russia unveiled the MiG-35 at Aero India 2007 in Bangalore, amid Moscow's keen interest to sell these planes to India. This was the first time that the final version of the MiG-35 was publicly displayed at an international air show, and thus, generated a great deal of interest.

Since the IAF already has maintenance and upgrade facilities for the MiG-29, this would mean that the plane could be brought into service with a minimum of expenditure on infrastructure. Added to that is Russia's willingness to give full ToT, as well as customization for the IAF, as seen with the Su-30MKI; in addition to the continued support for equipment in the event of a international embargo. However, in the past, the Russian product support, especially for the MiG-29 fleet has been inadequate.

Additionally, buying the MiG-35 would mean an almost total dependence on a single supplier for India's entire fighter fleet. Recent Russian demands for renegotiation of earlier contracts, the sale of RD-93 engines (a variant of the Klimov RD-33 that powers the Indian MiG-29s) to Pakistan for its JF-17 Thunder aircraft and concurrently supplying combat aircraft to China has also caused concern in New Delhi.

Comparison of the competing aircraft

Aircraft:	Rafale	Eurofighter Typhoon	F-16IN Fighting Falcon	F/A-18E/F Super Hornet	JAS 39 NG(IN)	MiG-35 Fulcrum-F
Country of origin:	France	Germany Italy Spain United Kingdom	United States	United States	Sweden	Russia
Manufacturer:	Dassault Aviation	Eurofighter GmbH	Lockheed Martin	Boeing IDS	Saab	RAC-MiG
Length:	15.27 m (50.1 ft)	15.96 m (52 ft 5 in)	15.03 m (49 ft 3 in)	18.31 m (60 ft 1¼ in)	14.1 m (46 ft 3 in)	19 m (62 ft 4 in)
Wingspan:	10.80 m (35.4 ft)	10.95 m (35 ft 11 in)	10.0 m (32 ft 8 in)	13.62 m (44 ft 8½ in)	8.4 m (27 ft 7 in)	15 m (49 ft 3 in)
Height:	5.34 m (17.4 ft)	5.28 m (17 ft 4 in)	5.09 m (16 ft 7 in)	4.88 m (16 ft)	4.5 m (14 ft 9 in)	6 m (19 ft 8 in)
Wing Area:	45.7 m^2 (492 sq ft)	50.0 m^2 (538 sq ft)	27.9 m^2 (300 sq ft)	46.0 m^2 (500 sq ft)
Empty weight:	9,060 kg (20,000 lb)	11,000 kg (24,250 lb)	8,936 kg (19,700 lb)	13,864 kg (30,564 lb)	6,820 kg (15,040 lb)	15,000 kg (33,069 lb)
Max takeoff weight (MTOW):	24,500 kg (54,000 lb)	23,500 kg (51,809 lb)	21,772 kg (48,000 lb)	29,932 kg (66,000 lb)	16,000 kg (35,300 lb)	29,000 kg (50,076 lb)
Powerplant:	2× SNECMA M88-2	2× Eurojet EJ200	1× GE F110-GE-132	2× GE F414-GE-400	1× GE F414G	2× Klimov RD-33MK
Thrust: • Dry Thrust:	50 kN each (11,250 lbf)	60 kN each (13,500 lbf)	84 kN (19,000 lbf)	62 kN each (14,000 lbf)	62.5 kN (14,030 lbf)	62.5 kN each (14,030 lbf)
• Afterburner Thrust:	75 kN each (17,000 lbf)	90 kN each (20,250 lbf)	144 kN (32,500 lbf)	98 kN each (22,000 lbf)	98 kN (22,000 lbf)	88.3 kN each (19,800 lbf)
Fuel: • Internal          • External	4,700 kg 7,500 kg	4,996 kg	3,265 kg 5,880 kg
Maximum speed:     • At Sea Level	Mach 1.8	Mach 2.0+ (2.34) (Mach 1.2 Supercruise)	Mach 2.05 800 KCAS	Mach 1.8	Mach 2.0 (Mach 1.2 supercruise)	Mach 2.25 Mach 1.2
Ferry range:    • Unrefueled:    • Extl. Tanks		3,790 km		3,054 km	4,075 km	2,000 km 3,200 km
Combat Radius:	1,800 km	1,390 km	1,700 km	2,346 km
Service ceiling:	17,000 m (55,000 ft)	19,812 m (65,000 ft)	15,239 m (49,997 ft)	15,000 m (50,000 ft)	15,000 m (50,000 ft)	17,500 m (57,400 ft)
Rate of climb:	305 m/s (60,000 ft/min)	315 m/s (62,000 ft/min)	254 m/s (50,000 ft/min)			300 m/s (60,000 ft/min)
Thrust/weight:	1.13	1.18		0.93	1.06
Weapons Load:	9,500 kg
External Stations:**	14 (5 'wet')	13	11 (3 'wet')	11 (5)		9
Thrust vectoring:	None	None	None	None	None	May be fitted with thrust vectoring
Unit cost:	€48 million ($67.2 million)	GB£61.5 million €88.4 million US$122.5 million		US$58 million	US$47.5 million	US$38.5 million
Notes:	** = Wet stations

Order value

The Order is for 126 aircraft with the option to buy another 64 more. While there were reports of the direct order being increased to 200, or split between two vendors, Former Chief of Air Staff of the IAF, Air Marshal S.P. Tyagi stated during Aero India 2007 that the number would remain the same, and would be sourced from a single vendor. The first squadron would be directly supplied by the vendor, while the rest would be manufactured under license in India by HAL. He stated however, that as the bidding progressed, this could change.

The Government of India has sanctioned approximately US$10 billion (Rs. 42,000 crore), with reports that another US$2 billion might be added to this. This is indicative of the high importance of the order to the respective vendors.

Offset clause

In 2005, in response to allegations of corruption in defence procurements, the Defence Ministry formulated the Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) 2005. According to the DPP, at least 30% of any order over Rs. 300 crores (~US$70 million) is to be sourced from Indian companies. This would enable Indian companies to gain expertise in defence-related technologies, as well as cycle back a large amount of any order back into the country.

This tender will be the first time that an Offset clause has been included in an Indian defence deal, which led to many changes in the RFP as the Offset policy and life-cycle costs needed to be improved and finalized. This led to delays in issuing the RFPs.

The economic offset for the MMRCA tender was increased to 50% under the DPP 2006. The bidders must confirm the offset details in a separate proposal, to be submitted by 9 June 2008. This brings the value of offsets in the MMRCA deal to almost Rs. 25000 Crores (US$6 Bn).

Status

An advertisement for the Saab Gripen at a bus station in Central New Delhi in March 2008. The importance of the contract has led to hectic advertising and lobbying by the bidders. The bus stop in this image is located very close to major Government offices, Parliament and Indian Army and Indian Air Force Headquarters.

Delay in RFP

The issuing of RFPs was expected in June 2007. During Aero India 2007, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee had stated that the RFP would be issued by 31 March 2007. However, Air Marshal A.S. Tyagi, in his last press conference before he retired, had stated that there were delays in issuing the RFP. His successor, Air Marshal F.H. Major had said that the RFP would be issued by June. The delays were said to be due to new factors added into the RFP such as Total Life-cycle Costs as well as fine-tuning the Offset policy, under the new DPP 2005. The Total Life-cycle Cost has been introduced for the first time in Indian defence procurements, and has reportedly been a major source of the delay.

On 29 June, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by the Defence Minister, cleared the process for the procurement of 126 aircraft. The 211-page RFP was approved for release to the respective bidders. On August 28 2007, the RFP was released to the 6 bidding companies.

Tender Process

The bidders had to give their Formal Proposals within six months from the release of the RFP, latest by March 3 2008. However, some of the bidders asked for an extension of the deadline, citing complexity of the RFP. The deadline for submission of the proposals was then extended by a month. The Formal Proposals will have to be submitted by April 28 2008. The Proposals will then be technically evaluated to check for compliance with IAF's requirements and other RFP conditions. After that, field trials will be carried out to evaluate the performance. Finally, the Commercial Proposal of the vendors, short-listed after technical and field evaluations, will be examined and compared, and a winner announced.

After the winner is chosen, there will be further rounds of negotiation to decide the final price, as well as sensor suite and aircraft configuration, along with other factors, like offsets and maintenance. The first 18 aircraft (1 squadron) will come in a 'fly away' condition, while the remaining 108 will be manufactured in India under ToT.

Present status

On 8 August 2008, the IAF Chief Air Marshal Fali H. Major informed that technical evaluations were being conducted and claimed that the IAF is all set to conduct field trials of the MRCA bidding aircraft in the second half of 2008. The industry offset proposals from the bidders have been provided to India as of 11 August 2008.

As of 18 November 2008, the technical evaluation of the medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) has been completed. The IAF hoped to start its flight evaluation by February 2009. The aircraft will be put through a rigorous testing process at Bangalore, Jaisalmer and Leh. The aircraft will undergo technical and humid condition tests in Bangalore. Desert trials will be conducted in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan and High-altitude and mountainous condition trials will be conducted at Leh in Ladakh. Reportedly, after technical evaluation of the bids, the number of contenders has been reduced to three or four.

There have been fears that this process would take a few years at least, and getting the aircraft after that would take longer. It is reasonable to expect that the aircraft can be delivered no sooner than 2011. This might take longer for the Super Hornet, Rafale and Typhoon, considering their numbers already on order.The IAF air Chief said that Field trials will be held around April and May of 2009.

External links

• The IAF's MRCA contract: A three way shoot-out
• "India's MMRCA Fighter Competition", Defence Industry Daily, 29 August, 2007
• Selection of the MRCA for the IAF, by Air Marshal B.K. Pandey, Former C-in-C, Training Command, Indian Air Force for Bharat-Rakshak

See also

Competing aircraft

• Dassault Rafale
• Eurofighter Typhoon
• F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
• F-16 Fighting Falcon
• Saab JAS 39 Gripen
• Mikoyan MiG-35

Parallel projects

• HAL Tejas
• Medium Combat Aircraft
• Sukhoi/HAL FGFA