The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to induct new multi-role fighter jets within the next four to five years through a fast-tracked global tender.

The move is crucial as the IAF faces a decline in its fleet due to the phasing out of older MiG series aircraft and delays in the induction of indigenous aircraft like the TEJAS MK-1 and MK-1A. A high-level committee, headed by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, has recommended the acquisition of 114 multi-role fighter jets to enhance combat capabilities and maintain squadron strength over the next decade, alongside indigenous jets like the TEJAS MK-1A and MK-2.

The MRFA acquisition is critical as the IAF aims to maintain operational readiness for potential two-front conflicts with China and Pakistan and reach a target of 60 squadrons by 2047.

The IAF's current squadron strength has dropped to 31 from an authorized 42 due to the phasing out of ageing aircraft like the MiG series, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29. Ten more squadrons are expected to retire by 2037.

Indigenous projects like the HAL TEJAS MK-1A and MK-2 have faced delays, further impacting fleet modernization efforts.

Global Tender And Competitors

The MRFA tender will involve limited trials to expedite the process. Aircraft under consideration include:

Dassault Rafale (France)
SAAB JAS-39 Gripen (Sweden)
Eurofighter Typhoon (EU consortium)
Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-15EX Strike Eagle (USA)
Lockheed Martin F-21 (customised F-16 variant for India)
Sukhoi Su-35 (Russia)

The F-15EX Strike Eagle is a notable new entrant in this competition. However, all participating firms must align with India's "Make in India" policy, which mandates local manufacturing partnerships.

The IAF is also heavily investing in indigenous projects like, the TEJAS MK-2 is expected first flight by 2026, with mass production by 2029. This aircraft will replace older platforms like Jaguars and Mirage-2000s. Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) India's first fifth-generation stealth fighter with advanced capabilities, projected for serial production by 2028.

The procurement timeline could face delays due to global supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 and geopolitical tensions, particularly affecting U.S. defence firms. Balancing indigenous development with immediate operational needs remains a critical challenge.

The IAF aims to achieve a total of 60 fighter aircraft squadrons by 2047, which will be essential for handling a two-front war scenario. However, it is expected to retire 10 fighter aircraft squadrons by 2037. The fleets slated for retirement in the next decade include the Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29s.

The global tender is likely to include aircraft such as the Rafale, Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, and F-16, which have been evaluated in previous competitions. Notably, the F-15 Strike Eagle from Boeing is expected to be a new entrant in this tender. To expedite the process, the IAF plans to conduct limited trials to assess the capabilities of participating aircraft.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist due to supply chain issues affecting American firms, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and commitments to supply allies engaged in conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. Currently, the IAF has inducted only 36 Rafale aircraft, which provide a strategic edge in the region. The reliance on indigenous projects, including fighter jets and engines, remains critical for achieving the desired squadron strength.

Key features of the F-15 Strike Eagle That Make It A Strong Contender

The F-15E is a highly versatile and advanced dual-role fighter designed to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions making it a formidable contender in modern combat scenarios.

Designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, it excels in all-weather, day-and-night operations, supported by cutting-edge avionics and electronic systems. Its two-seat configuration, with a pilot and a weapons systems officer, enhances mission efficiency and situational awareness. The aircraft's powerful Pratt & Whitney engines enable speeds up to Mach 2.5 and a range of 2,762 miles with external tanks, ensuring long-range operational capability.

Equipped with an array of precision-guided munitions and advanced radar systems like the APG-82(V)1 AESA radar, the Strike Eagle offers exceptional lethality and targeting accuracy. Its survivability is further enhanced by the Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) and stealth features like reduced radar cross-section configurations. The aircraft also integrates systems such as Link 16 and beyond-line-of-sight SATCOM for superior communication and interoperability.

The F-15E's modular design allows for quick reconfiguration between missions, supporting a wide variety of tactical roles. It carries an extensive arsenal, including AIM-9 Sidewinders, AIM-120 AMRAAMs, and air-to-surface weapons like the AGM-158 JASSM.

The fighter's ability to sustain 9G manoeuvres throughout its flight envelope underscores its agility in combat scenarios. These features collectively establish the F-15E Strike Eagle as a robust and adaptable platform capable of addressing diverse modern battlefield requirements.

The F-15E Strike Eagle possesses several key features that make it a strong contender for modern air forces:

Advanced Avionics And Systems

Equipped with a sophisticated radar system capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously

Features a digital fly-by-wire control system for enhanced manoeuvrability

Utilises advanced cockpit technologies, including a wide-field-of-view HUD and helmet-mounted cockpit-cueing

Impressive Performance

Capable of sustaining 9 Gs throughout its flight envelope

Achieves a top speed of Mach 2.5

Has a range of 2,762 miles with conformal fuel tanks and external tanks

Weapons Capability

Carries a wide variety of precision weapons and a 20mm cannon

Equipped with both radar-guided and IR-homing missiles for air-to-air combat

Can carry most air-to-surface weapons in the USAF inventory, including nuclear options

Ongoing Modernisation

The F-15E is undergoing significant upgrades, including:

Installation of the APG-82(V)1 AESA radar for increased lethality

Implementation of the Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) for enhanced threat detection and countermeasures

Combat Proven

With over a hundred air-to-air kills and no losses in aerial combat, the F-15 platform has demonstrated its effectiveness in real-world operations.

These features, combined with its long service history and continuous upgrades, make the F-15E Strike Eagle a formidable and enduring asset in modern military aviation.

ANI