With a steady decline in active squadrons, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently operating well below its optimal strength of 42 squadrons. Numbers are expected to dip further as older aircraft retire.

In this episode, Shiv and Dev unpack India’s decision to initiate a new global competition for fighter jets to fill a critical gap in the IAF’s strength.

The IAF initially purchased 36 Rafales (far fewer than the original 126 needed); India’s MRFA tender—an acquisition plan for 114 fighter jets—aims to address this need.

But, with the Rafale already in service and extensively customised for Indian requirements, the duo questions the necessity of another costly, lengthy competition. Why repeat the process when the Rafale was chosen a decade ago? Yes, we do require more aircraft, but do we need another contest? Is political wrangling slowing down India’s defence readiness?

What’s driving this return to a complex competition, and can India afford further delays in bolstering its aerial capabilities?

They propose a straightforward contest between the Rafale and Boeing’s F-15, a newer contender, to streamline the acquisition and focus on India’s urgent defence needs.

Tune in!

Read Lockheed Martin's F-21: For India. From India.

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi