Quote:
Originally Posted by Adux
This is a patnership offer, If the fineprint is favourable, this is more than a favourable offer, We still buy a western fighter with growth potentials, which I am not so sure about Rafale(though my favorite) and MiG-35(If we buy it, then we have a 100% Ruskie Airforce, One should not give that kind of leverage to one single country...strategically speaking).. F-16(Not interested)
F/A-18 E/F(though a economical, its American and they very small fine print), Our people wont agree with that. Gripen is too close to Tejas - LCA ..
Eurofighter looks good in my opinion.
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So if we count the US planes out, we have to be able to look into the future and see who will win the next election, if BJP and allies come to power, there will be a absolute lack of left and a move towards stronger Indo-US ties, all bets are off then.
Well considering that the several requirements that one must follow to acquire US equipment might get the US planes out of the race.
The Gripen might just be a controversial choice as that will help kill the Tejas LCA Program. MIg-35 has been killed by the SU-30s and PAK-FA.
Only two choices left are Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon,In a neutral competition Eurofighter might have won however in such a political competition Rafale might win the deal.
What is known about the AFs requirement:
It is looking for a AESA radar on its new bird, the budget is 10 billion for 126 birds, is that all?
The F-16IN proposal was in response to AFs document, does it give a look into what the AF wants?
AESA radar, EW suite, Weapons inventory, range and payload, Net Centric Warfare Capability, Engine thrust, maneuverability etc. etc.