India May Split Fighter Buy Between MiG-35 and Western Fighter

[outofshdw]

There is an on-line article from Flight International, that suggests that the Indian Air Force has been pushing for an earlier delivery date for its proposed Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA):
Bangalore air show: Indian combat aircraft order could be split between the MiG-35 and Western types-13/02/2007-Bangalore-Flight International

According to the article, splitting the buy between the MiG-35 and a Western supplier, would allow the IAF to receive its first aircraft in 2012 rather than 2014. A total of 126 aircraft have been proposed under the MRCA program.

Other details from the article include:

• The IAF reportedly favors a US supplier (F-18E/F or F-16C) over a European source (Gripen, Rafale or Eurofighter) for the second half of the fighter buy. No further explanation is offered for this preference (cost? ease of maintenance? avionics?)
  
  
• Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) has ordered an additional 24 GE F404 engines, to equip the first operational squadron of 20 Tejas (formerly Light Combat Aircraft) fighters. The first squadron has an in-service target date of 2010.

[kams]

Hmmm I remember reading news report where IAF chief specifically ruled out a split order for MRCA (During AI07). Whether you buy 60 or 120 F/A 18, the cost of Infrastructure/logistics will remain same. Although Mig-35 may cost less upfront, lifecycle costs are high and servicibility will be mush less than any western counterpart.

[Jimmy]

Seems like going with a split buy would cause ridiculous problems long-term. Or at least ridiculous expenses.

[highsea]

I don't see how splitting the order is going to push up delivery, unless they are talking about MiG-35 being available before F-18 due to no backlog.

It doesn't matter if you order 60 or 120, your first frames will come off the production line at the same time. If the production slots are filled till 2014, you aren't going to get your first F-18's in 2012 by ordering fewer frames.

In fact, just the opposite might happen- the smaller order may take lower priority, while a large order gives the customer leverage to bump someone else in the queue.

Not to mention that the unit price will be higher for fewer frames.

If India really wants to speed up delivery, the best way is to get off their asses and issue the tender. The real defect here is in India's procurement process- even after a decision is made, it will still take several years for contracts to be signed.

Then of course, India will be harping to the manufacturer to "hurry up". Lol.

[MarquezRazor]

The only thing is the logistics/infrastructure for the Mig already exist.So even if its a split buy,the infrastructure of the other plane will just have to be set-up.

I just saw a report saying the RFPs were to be relased before March 31

[highsea]

...I just saw a report saying the RFPs were to be relased before March 31

Lol.