Ending the deadlock over Rafale fighter aircraft deal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi finalised the delivery of 36 fighter jets in fly-away condition during his France visit two weeks back but more shocking is how the Indian government sidelined the ‘Make In India’ project to seal the deal with Dassault Aviation, a French defence manufacturer.
There are multiple reasons behind the government’s immediate actions of buying the Rafale jets-
Delay in Light Combat Aircraft-Tejas project:
The LCA Tejas project began in 1980s aiming to replace the MiG-21 in future but the delay in the entire development and induction of the first squadron raised questions on the combat capability of the IAF strength.
The Tejas was supposed to be inducted into the IAF by 2010 with multiple squadrons but the single-seat, single-engine light weighted fighter jet is still under development.
The first phase of the project, Tejas Mark-I is expected to be fully operational by December 2015 while, the second phase, Tejas Mark-II is likely to be ready by 2022.
Rising accidents of Mikoyan-Gurevich-21:
One of the best fighter jets of the IAF, MiG-21 (Mikoyan Gurevich) is now known as flying coffins for the pilots after recording maximum accidents every year.The jets are now serving the role of first interceptors in the IAF which is famous for its ability to take-off within few seconds after receiving any alert or emergency.
The Tejas project was expected to replace the MiG-21 but due to the delay, now IAF is relying on the Rafale to strengthen the air combat power.
Service upgradation of Mirage 2000:
Mirage 2000 served very crucial role in Kargil War but currently the planes are undergoing the technology upgrade which will take two more years to complete.
First two planes are delivered from Dassault Aviation while 49 jets will be upgraded in the technology collaboration between India and France which may take two or three more years before completion.
Pakistan signs deal of 110 fighter jets with China:
At one side where India is still struggling to induct the 36 Rafale jets, Pakistan just signed a deal of 110 fighter aircrafts with China. Under the deal, the Islamic republic will acquire 110 JF-17 Thunder fighter aircrafts. Interestingly, according to reports, the China will deliver first set of 55 jets within two years.
With the probable induction of two Rafale squadrons (with 18 jets in each squadron probably), the Indian Air Force will be able to fulfill the necessity of its critical operations.
Interestingly, even the immediate delivery of the 36 Rafale fighter jets will be made in 20 to 24 months.