The Government of
India is seeking to induct 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) to
fill the gap between the Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas still undergoing trials)
and the Sukhoi-30 fighters in the Indian Airforce. It will replace ageing
aircraft as well as augment the squadron strength which is estimated to stand
at 32-33, much below the desired target of 39.5. The induction of the MMRCA will
also bring in the required firepower to tackle China and Pakistan.4
After an almost
decade-long process, the Ministry of Defence selected the Rafale fighter
aircraft of the French Dassault Company, in January 2012. The Ministry has allocated about 12 billlion USD for the purchase of these
aircraft, making it India's single largest defence deal.1
Although GoI is stating that the selection has
been made purely on technical and cost grounds, the decision would have some
strategic impact. “For India, the Rafale acquisition
widens its strategic options in a world where multi-polarity is a fact of life. It could provide the leverage for India to hold
France to its promise of increasing cooperation across a whole range of areas. Of
particular interest, is the enrichment and reprocessing (ENR) equipment
transfers. This acquires importance in
light of the 2008 Nuclear Suppliers Group ban on sale of ENR items to India,
where France said that it would not be bound by the new restrictions”.7 Another
area to receive a fillip could be intelligence sharing, and joint observation
of the Indian Ocean. Increased cooperation between India and France may also
help India to spread its influence in western Africa, which is known as France’s
backyard.8
Nonetheless India is behind China in
air-capability. The MMRCA are fourth generation fighter jets, whereas China is
preparing to induct its fifth generation indigenous stealth fighter Chengdu J-2o
in 2017. It would take almost four years for the first aircraft to arrive after
the deal is inked, so by the time India gets its fourth generation aircraft in
2016, the Chinese will be ready to induct their fifth generation aircraft. To keep pace on this, India and Russia
signed a preliminary design contract to jointly develop a Fifth Generation Fighter
Aircraft in December 2010. However the fear remains that this project will be
subject to the huge delays that have dogged joint ventures with Russia.
3
Note: A squadron comprises around 18 to 20 aircraft.5
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