Eurofighter Typhoon consortium targets India’s fighter aircraft market

In an article published by BulgarianMilitary.com, the race for India's next-generation fighter aircraft is heating up as the Eurofighter Typhoon consortium, which includes Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain, aims to reclaim its competitive edge against Dassault's Rafale.

The Eurofighter Typhoon consortium is poised to re-enter the competitive South Asian market with a more aggressive approach, particularly through competitive pricing.

Sources in India's defense sector indicate that Germany is particularly interested in the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) bid for 114 fighters, reviving its ambitions for a deal with India. 

The Typhoon consortium, which includes Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain, previously competed against Dassault's Rafale in India's Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition. 

Competitive pricing could be crucial in the MRFA program, where India’s decision-making takes into account factors beyond just aircraft performance. By adopting a more cost-effective pricing strategy, the Typhoon may gain an edge in the MRFA competition. Germany’s active engagement highlights its commitment to securing more export contracts for the Eurofighter, particularly in key markets like India.

Given the Typhoon's status as a finalist in the previous MMRCA competition, the consortium is optimistic about its chances to compete effectively once more. Many of the technical assessments carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF) during the last evaluation still hold relevance, and having successfully navigated various rigorous testing and certification phases, the Typhoon is well-prepared to fulfill India's requirements.   For India, choosing its next-generation fighter involves more than just cost and performance.

The Typhoon, a collaborative European initiative supported by a strong consortium from Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain, benefits from extensive technological expertise and resources. Manufactured by leading European defense firms, the Typhoon offers robust logistical support and reliable access to spare parts—factors that could favorably influence India's evaluation. On the other hand, the Rafale, produced solely by Dassault Aviation in France, allows for streamlined quality control and operational support. In terms of performance, the two fighters take different approaches to fulfilling their missions.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is primarily designed for air superiority, optimized for high speeds and impressive altitudes, which provides advantages in certain air combat situations. In contrast, the Rafale is a versatile multirole fighter capable of engaging in air-to-air, air-to-ground, and maritime strike operations. Its adaptability for close air support and low-altitude missions makes it well-suited for a variety of mission profiles, especially in complex environments.

By Naila Huseynova