Indian Navy faces tough decision over carrier fighters
Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet has recently been conducting trials in Goa as the Indian Navy tries to make up its mind over a new carrier-borne fighter. (Gordon Arthur)
It is a two-horse race for India's next carrier-borne fighter requirement, but will it go French or American?
Uncertainty has sprung up on the best option for the Indian Navy’s (IN) requirement for twin-engine carrier-based fighters. The two contenders are Dassault Aviation’s Rafale M and Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Block III, both having undertaken field trials at the naval station in Goa where a ski jump is set up.
The procurement has been reduced to 26 aircraft from the original 57. However, the dilemma faced by decision-makers include differences in price, upgrades, weapons, lifecycle costs, compatible processes/systems and commonality with the IN’s current inventory.
While it is unclear when a government-to-government deal will be signed, the fighters are required for
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![IDEX 2025: China attacks the loitering munition market]()
IDEX 2025: China attacks the loitering munition market
At IDEX 2025, held in Abu Dhabi this week, an array of Chinese attack UAVs, primarily loitering munitions, have been on display.
-
![IDEX 2025: Heven Drones’ Raider UAS aims for 2026 delivery date]()
IDEX 2025: Heven Drones’ Raider UAS aims for 2026 delivery date
The modular twin-fuselage, hydrogen-powered uncrewed aerial system has just been unveiled, with the company conducting final flight tests and maturing the product later this year.
-
![Indian Air Force airlifter contract bidders push credentials at Aero India]()
Indian Air Force airlifter contract bidders push credentials at Aero India
The three main bidders aiming to replace India’s ageing An-32 and Il-76 transporter fleet were at Aero India to put their case, despite recent geopolitical pressures on the competition.
-
![IDEX 2025: GA-ASI to unveil new exportable small UAS platform in June 2025]()
IDEX 2025: GA-ASI to unveil new exportable small UAS platform in June 2025
While the product remains in development, GA-ASI is looking to target the international market with a new small UAS, focusing on exportability.
-
![IDEX 2025: Jump 20-X marks the spot for AeroVironment]()
IDEX 2025: Jump 20-X marks the spot for AeroVironment
AeroVironment showcased the Jump 20-X, an advancement of the company’s Jump 20 VTOL-capable fixed-wing UAV, at this year’s IDEX in Abu Dhabi.
