Aero India 2021: Naval fighters prove their mettle
There are many suitors in the ongoing Multi-Role Carrier-Borne Fighter (MRCBF) competition to supply the Indian Navy (IN) with 57 carrier-based fighter aircraft.
Contenders include Boeing (F/A-18E/F Block III), Dassault (Rafale M), Saab (Sea Gripen), the Russian MiG-29K and the Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) from India, which was shown as a model at Aero Indi 2021 in Bengaluru from 3-5 February.
In simulations at the show, Dassault and Boeing each showcased the capability of their respective aircraft to operate with INS Vikramaditya and the future INS Vikrant.
Serious intent has been shown by Boeing, which pledged to meet all
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
January Drone Digest: MALE, rotary-wing and loitering munition UAVs dominate early 2026
The first month of 2026 has seen activity in the MALE, rotary-wing, and loitering munition UAV markets, with significant investments and commitments from Germany, Turkey, the UAE and the US. At the same time, questions over loitering munition performance in Ukraine highlight the growing scrutiny alongside rising demand.
-
Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities
While an estimated $37.99bn is still to be awarded across the Asia-Pacific uncrewed aerial vehicle market, the balance of potential future spending is unevenly split between various countries, with significant opportunities to be found in the collaborative combat aircraft space.
-
UK MoD awards investment for full production of RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon radar upgrade
The contract deal will enable the production and integration of the Eurofighter Typhoon’s new Eurofighter Common Radar System Mk 2 on part of the UK Royal Air Force’s fleet.
-
Bayraktar TB2: The $4.11 billion market success of a cost-effective MALE UAV
The success of the Bayraktar TB2 stems from it fulfilling a niche of providing reasonable capabilities at a low cost, leading to its acquisition by more than 30 countries including many in Africa; but there are reasons to be cautious about its potential future prospects.