India may acquire only 40–60 French Rafale fighters instead of the planned 114, preferring Russian Su-57E, IDRW reports, citing military analyst Bharat Karnad. According to him, the Indian military leadership points to the high cost of both the Rafale aircraft themselves and the associated weapons, infrastructure, and maintenance.
India demands technology transfer, including access to avionics source codes. France, according to the source, does not agree to such terms and is under pressure due to the availability of alternatives for the Indian Air Force: the Russian Su-57E is offered with broader technology transfer and localization, and the Swedish Gripen E is cheaper to operate.
The analyst also believes that India should increase the production of its own Tejas fighters, involving private companies in the production. He notes that the development of drones and unmanned systems calls into question the advisability of large investments in expensive manned fighters. Although Karnad's position is not official, his assessment reflects the key factors of India's upcoming choice, as noted in the IDRW article: cost, access to technology, and the development of its own aircraft industry.
Read more on the topic:
- Russia is ready to send Su-57 to India, which dreams of Rafale
- India slows down Su-57 and will purchase 114 Rafale fighters
- UAE disrupted Mirage deliveries amid interest in Su-57