The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively pursuing several initiatives to modernise and expand its fleet of fighter jets. It likely to issue a global tender this year to acquire 114 multirole fighter aircraft in face of regional security dynamics.
As part of Make in India programme, 96 out of the 114 aircraft are slated for production within India, fostering indigenous manufacturing and technological advancement. The remaining 18 jets will be procured directly from foreign manufacturers.
Several international aerospace companies are expected to participate in the bidding process, including Lockheed Martin (USA) which is offering F-21, a variant of the F-16 which was tailored for India. Boeing (USA) is proposing the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet; Dassault Aviation (France) is pitching for Rafale fighter jet; Saab (Sweden) is presenting the JAS-39 Gripen E; United Aircraft Corporation (Russia) is offering the Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jet, with a proposal for domestic production in India.
For the indigenous fighter development programme, IAF has contracted Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 83 Tejas Mk 1A aircraft, featuring advanced avionics and weaponry. Additionally, approval has been granted for the procurement of 97 more Tejas Mk 1A jets, reinforcing the indigenous fighter fleet.
HAL Tejas Mk 2 (Medium Weight Fighter) programme aims to develop a single-engine, multirole fighter to replace aging aircraft like the Sepecat Jaguar and Mirage-2000. The first prototype rollout is anticipated soon. A fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter is under development, with the first flight expected by 2028 and serial production by 2032. This project signifies a major leap in India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
Grounding costs soaring for airlines
The scarcity of domestic Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in India has led to increased grounding costs for Indian airlines, primarily due to reliance on foreign repair services. This dependence results in higher expenses and extended aircraft downtime, impacting operational efficiency.
While India has developed proficiency in line and airframe maintenance, there remains a substantial gap in engine and component MRO services.
Global shortages of aircraft parts have exacerbated maintenance delays. For instance, Air India’s efforts to refurbish its aging fleet have been hampered by delays in obtaining modern seats and other components, leading to prolonged aircraft groundings.
Utilizing overseas MRO services incurs additional expenses related to logistics, foreign labour rates, and currency fluctuations, thereby elevating overall maintenance costs.
Transportation to and from foreign MRO facilities, coupled with potential bureaucratic delays, can prolong aircraft downtime, reducing fleet availability and revenue-generating opportunities.
The CFM facility at Hyderabad is slated to be the world’s largest MRO center for Leap engines. It is designed to handle approximately 250 to 300 engine repairs annually upon reaching full operational capacity.
The centre is expected to employ around 200 skilled workers initially, with plans to expand the workforce to nearly 1,000 by 2035, contributing significantly to local employment and skill development.
With an investment exceeding $150 million, this facility represents a substantial commitment to enhancing the aviation infrastructure in India.