Why Indian Air Force is in hunt for fighter jets all over again| In Our Defence, S02, Ep 45
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. Share your thoughts at pods@indiatoday.com or text us at 8588966996! Watch! Read Lockheed Martin's F-21: For India. From India. Produced by Anna Priyadarshini You can also tune in here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/68JNMdQ4eNBj0WWInvbceu?si=f90e3ced09b94669 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-our-defence/id1617244439 Click here for the latest podcast: https://podcasts.indiatoday.in/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndiaTodayPodcasts Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/IndiaTodayPods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiatodaypodcasts/ #InOurDefence #ShivAroor #podcast #itwebvideos #indiatodaypodcasts #indiatoday Timestamps: 01:22—-16:40—-Why are we having another competition? 16:40—27:55—How do we select a fighter aircraft? 27:55—-41:45—How real is the contest really? 41:45—50:48—How old is the Indian Air Force? Subscribe to India Today for NEW VIDEOS EVERY DAY and make sure to enable Push Notifications so you'll never miss a new video. All you need to do is PRESS THE BELL ICON next to the Subscribe button! India Today TV is India's leading English News Channel. India Today YouTube channel offers latest news videos on Politics, Business, Cricket, Bollywood, Lifestyle, Auto, Technology, Travel, Entertainment and a lot more. Stay tuned for latest updates and in-depth analysis of news from India and around the world! WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2AnW3JENxxg7OuJv00 Download App: https://indiatoday.link/wHaj Follow us: Official website: https://www.indiatoday.in/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IndiaToday Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndiaToday
