Airbus and Germany Propose Euro fighter Typhoon for India’s MRFA Tender ?

In a strategic move to enhance India’s air defence, Airbus, alongside the Federal Republic of Germany, is offering the Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 5 for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender.

Scheduled for release by mid-2025, the MRFA tender seeks to procure 110 advanced fighter jets to bolster India’s future air combat capabilities. Eurofighter Typhoon could be the ideal choice for India’s evolving defence needs.

It is the product of the Eurofighter consortium, which includes major partners such as Leonardo and BAE Systems. For the MRFA program, Airbus is offering the latest Tranche 5 version, which features significant upgrades in avionics, survivability, multi-role functionality, and compatibility with advanced weaponry.

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While this isn’t the first time the Eurofighter has competed for an Indian contract—having participated in the 2012 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition, where it passed all technical evaluations but was ultimately outbid by the Dassault Rafale—Airbus is confident that the upgraded Tranche 5 version will give it a strong advantage.

A key aspect of the MRFA tender is the opportunity for collaboration with India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), in line with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Airbus is keen to support this vision by potentially partnering with HAL, ensuring that the Typhoon is not only a powerful fighter jet but also a symbol of India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The Eurofighter Typhoon’s multi-role capabilities are bolstered by a wide range of advanced weaponry, including long-range radar-guided missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM and MBDA Meteor, as well as heat-seeking missiles such as the IRIS-T, AIM-132 ASRAAM, and AIM-9 Sidewinder.

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Another key selling point is the Typhoon’s advanced Block 5 configuration, which includes the state-of-the-art E-Scan AESA radar, offering superior situational awareness and target tracking. Combined with advanced defensive systems and an optimized pilot interface, the Typhoon is ready for modern, high-intensity air combat.

The Tranche 5’s Long Term Evolution (LTE) package further enhances mission systems, pilot interfaces, engine performance, and operational flexibility, reinforcing the Typhoon’s reputation as a next-generation fighter.

With a tender valued at around $20 billion, the MRFA program represents a major opportunity for any competitor. Other aircraft in the running include the Dassault Rafale, Boeing F-15EX, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin F-21, Saab Gripen E, and Sukhoi Su-35.

However, with its advanced features, competitive pricing, and alignment with India’s strategic goals, the Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 5 could be the aircraft that elevates India’s air combat capabilities to new heights.