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ZRAVER, as I understood it, MRCA specified a twin engined bird but I could be in error. If so, this would rule out the Gripen. The S/Hornet looks to be a fantastic weapons system.
On the other hand, the EF Typhoon WILL, by all accounts, be an excellent A2G asset, the one thing that counts against it, is its immaturity as a striker. The offer of partnership in the EURO-Consortium could give India leverage for a CAPTOR-E in IAF versions, even though DRDO is developing its own phased arrays. To say nothing of what else a full partnership could give India. Could Boeing match that deal?
Right now, the Boeing bird looks best, but India has to play ball with Uncle Sam for quite a long time to ensure continued support. Can India risk this?
It would mean best behaviour with Pakistan who is a firm US ally. Ironically, it could actually help stabilize the region, above and beyond what India and Pakistan are doing on their own to quiet their own disputes!
I don`t think for one minute that that India would bite her lip and do nothing if provoked, but it could harm IAF tactically if it relied on Boeing when the kits stopped being shipped in, along with spares..
In terms of current and near term capability, the S/Hornet looks good, but unfortunately these deals are never ever about military value alone, as they should be in my fantasy world!
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