Seems designed to exclude the F-35, but perfect for the F-18.
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/ar...sed-fi-433555/
Indian navy launches search for new carrier-based fighter
The Indian navy’s formal requirement for 57 multirole carrier-borne fighters (MRCBF) has been advanced via a request for information (RFI) issued by the nation’s defence ministry. Responses are due by 24 May, with the service having detailed its requirements over 59 pages of parameters and specifications.
In its RFI, the navy calls for a fighter that can undertake roles ranging from air defence and surface strike to reconnaissance and electronic warfare, and which is capable of performing “buddy” tanking. The request also expresses an interest in licence production of the aircraft with related transfer of technology. A substantial weapons capability is also requested, in addition to the possibility of integrating existing and future weapons and avionics systems of Indian, Russian and Western origin.
Information is also being sought on whether the aircraft has a swing-role capability for the simultaneous carriage of strike weapons and air-to-air missiles. Some under-wing pylons should be capable of carrying stores weighing up to 1,500kg (3,300lb), with the ability to release weapons from an altitude of 40,000ft. The selected type will operate from indigenously developed aircraft carriers that are currently under construction. While the first of these – to be named the INS Vikrant – features a ski-jump layout with short take-off and arrested recovery, the configuration of a second vessel has yet to be frozen.
Contenders for the MRCBF requirement are Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Dassault’s Rafale M (below) and the RAC MiG-29K. The last of these types is already in Indian navy service.........