"The Indian Air Force will not be receiving the Tejas Mark-1A jets anytime soon as US major GE Aerospace has failed to deliver engines, further delaying it by two years"
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"Govt backs IAF’s plans to buy 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft but faces 2 problems. What’s the logjam
IAF down to 31 fighter squadrons on paper against sanctioned strength of 42. Number will go down further next year when 2 remaining squadrons of MiG 21 Bison get phased out."
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The two issues facing Centre
“The issue is what route (is) to be taken? Do we go for a repeat of G2G for more Rafale? If yes, under what rule and how many? Or do we have an open tender, which means full-fledged trials have to take place, but this is going to be a long-drawn process,” said a source.
Asked about an IAF proposal a few years ago to have limited trials since most aircraft had already taken part in MMRCA sorties and the IAF knew capabilities and shortfalls, the sources said the aircraft had undergone multiple upgrades and hence this route could not be taken.
Sources said the second issue was about how much indigenous content the MRFA should have and how much would be manufactured in India....."
“....If we give an order to Dassault for more Rafale today, they will only be able to deliver much later since their production capacity is down and they have pending orders. So the aircraft has to be built in India like in the case of the C-295,” the sources said..."
