The heady mix of contenders, with similar as well as differing characteristics and performance figures, calls for discerning analysis. Selectors need to penetrate the gloss and read the fineprint.

Six years after its initiation, six contenders are in the race for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) proposed acquisition of 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA). The potential suppliers are from the US, European Consortium, France, Sweden and Russia. Following the dispatch of Request for Proposal (RFP) six frontrunners emerged:
- Lockheed Martin’s latest F-16 (Block 70/72)
- Boeing’s F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet
- Russia’s RAC MiG-35
- Dassault’s Rafale
- Saab JAS-39 Gripen from Sweden and
- Eurofighter Typhoon

Initially, the IAF was targeting a light-weight Fourth Generation combat aircraft with around 15 to 20 tonnes AUW (All Up Weight), capable of both air defence and ground attack. However, in 2005, following a revision of IAF requirements to fulfil its emerging roles of Air Dominance and Strategic Reach, the capability envelope of the proposed MMRCA was restructured to include heavier aircraft in the 25 to 30 tonnes AUW. The outcome was a jump from four to six contenders with Boeing’s F-18 Super Hornet and Eurofighter’s Typhoon joining the race and the French Dassault offer of Mirage 2000-5 being replaced by its latest, the Rafale.