The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly planning to procure 114 multirole fighter aircraft (MRFA), with 96 aircraft to be produced within the country. A report by Asian News International (ANI) said that the remaining 18 of 114 aircraft would be purchased from foreign manufacturers selected under the new project.
The fighter jets are being acquired under the Government of India’s (GOI) ‘Buy Global and Make in India’ initiative, which allows local companies to collaborate with international vendors. Foreign aircraft manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin, Irkut, Boeing, Saab, Dassault Aviation, and MiG are expected to participate in the tender process.
ANI cited undisclosed government sources as saying: “Recently, the Indian Air Force held meetings with the foreign vendors and asked them about the way they would carry out the Make in India project.” Once the initial 18 aircraft are procured from international companies, India will focus on building the 96 aircraft within the country.
