IAF Eyes 'Buy Global, Make In India' Model For Multirole Fighter Jet Procurement, To Enable Rapid Delivery: Report

After the success of the Tata-Airbus collaboration to manufacture transport aircraft in India, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is said to be looking into a similar model for upcoming procurement of fighter aircraft, reports Economic Times.

The Air Force plans to procure 110 multi role fighter aircraft (MRFA) at an estimated cost of $20 billion.

The IAF reportedly evaluated at least four evaluated at least four different procurement options on moving ahead with its MRFA requirement and concluded that 'Buy Global, Make in India' would be the ideal model for project's smooth proceedings and time-bound execution, senior government officials told ET.

According to the report, the model will likely enable quick delivery of combat aircraft that are required urgently to retain a combat edge in the region.

The 'Buy Global, Make in India' process is reportedly simpler and has a rather straightforward shortlisting procedure.

The developments comes after the apparent failure of the Strategic Partnership (SP) model, in which an Indian company ties up with a foreign supplier to manufacture major platforms in India.

The first project of Indian Navy under the SP model for the procurement of the Naval Utility Helicopters is on the verge of collapse.

Similarly, the plan to procure conventional submarines under Project 75I is also heading nowhere, with foreign technology providers expressing their inability to meet what they describe as unreasonable "joint and severe liabilities" for a product that will be manufactured by the Indian partner, ET reported.

On the other hand, the 'Buy Global, Make in India' has proved itself to be successful with the signing of a deal to manufacture C 295 transport aircraft by a Tata-Airbus combine.