Indian Fighter Competition Nears Finals...

[dbc]

Yes sensor, weapons and radar are better on the American contenders but how well can they be used with the other full spectrum of tech that acts in support? It probably means that India is locked in for more purchases from the US.

It is possible but will require an expensive integration effort, not sure if it is worth it. Perhaps, it makes sense to integrate American/ Israeli weapons with the Rafale considering the high cost of French weapons. But yes,India is locked in either directly or indirectly via technology acquisition from our allies. Either way the United States is assured a large chuck of the MMRCA contract value regardless of which aircraft is selected the Mig-35 being the only exception of course.

 

[CardSharp]

It is possible but will require an expensive integration effort, not sure if it is worth it. Perhaps, it makes sense to integrate American/ Israeli weapons with the Rafale considering the high cost of French weapons. But yes,India is locked in either directly or indirectly via technology acquisition from our allies. Either way the United States is assured a large chuck of the MMRCA contract value regardless of which aircraft is selected the Mig-35 being the only exception of course.

It pays for others to be dependent on your tech. Even the new WS-10 theoretically owes GE some royalty money. Don't hold your breath though.

 

[Zabaniyah]

Rafale can hand the JF-17's behind to it in a plate, The F-16 operated by Pakistan arnt even the latest version of the jet, and the J-10 is only as good as the fanboy lines coming out of the Chinese rumor mill. Please atleast think before you post, The Rafale is a top of the line aircraft, not a cheap replacement for an aging airforce.

F-16 is a certified troll. I meant not the aircraft, but the user

 

[dbc]

the Gripen is half the price for capability that by the admission of your own ACM closely matches Rafale and Typhoon - No. The Gripen from what I have read costs very close to the Rafale, while being a smaller, single-engine jet. It would be an excellent LCA but we already have that aircraft.

That is what SAAB claims ..."..less than half the price.."

"[The Gripen IN] has taken the essential philosophy behind the Gripen to the next level, making it a fighter of the latest generation priced at less than half of its peers and operating at a fraction of the cost."

http://livefist.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-gripen-ad-for-mmrca-says-lot.html?m=0

Lindgren said that Sweden hoped to get the deal to supply Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) despite Indian Air Force shortlisting Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale, both double engine aircrafts. “Ours is a single engine aircraft that is light and 10 times cheaper than the two aircrafts. The IAF has to upgrade its old MIGs and there is also a need to buy affordable aircrafts. So we are hopeful that India will come back to us,” he said.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/tn-aims-to-become-a-global-skills-hub/174920-60-118.html

 

[dbc]

It pays for others to be dependent on your tech. Even the new WS-10 theoretically owes GE some royalty money. Don't hold your breath though.

..yes in terms of leverage it is important, remains to be seen if the US grants export clearance for US origin tech in all likely hood the US will extract its pound of flesh.

 

[Battle Axe]

They probably would have gone for the Mirage 2000 if it was offered but the French shut down the production line ..... Rafale is new gen Mirage ... so why not.

It is interesting to note that some time back I heard that the Rafale was eliminated from the competition

Like I said, it is the best shot for IAF, Rafale being a rather finely evolved air supremacy fighter from Dassault.

Further, IAF will find it easier to provide for operation & logistical req of Rafale, being similar to that of Mirage. Then, it is hundred percent French meaning sound ToT & no ITAR restrictions. And, they have also offered to integrate the Indian Kaveri on it...

As for Mirage 2000-5, IAF had almost gone that way in 2001, having been impressed by its Kargil exploits but as u said, production lines had closed & Rafale in the offing, which made IAF go for the MMRCA competition, instead: A very prudent move - Just imagine, what if IAF had contracted for 126 Mirage 2000-5...

Sidenote: Guys, Rafale will be having the RBE2-AA AESA radar & an awesome SPECTRA E Survival system.

Endnote: India's love affair with delta wing continues...

 

[Archie]

The F-15 is an air-superiority fighter - Oh wait...yeah I'd suppose the SU-30s fill that role

Yeah you are correct
Also we have to mentain a balance between Airsuperiority and Ground Attack , HENCE THERE IS ALSO A LOW CHANCE OF EFT winning the tender coz it too is a primarily an air superiority platform

Currently We have 220 Airsuperiority , 280 Ground Attack and 160 Interceptors

 

[Firemaster]

EFT will be the winner surely

 

[Zabaniyah]

EFT will be the winner surely

Man, that is scary

 

[newdelhinsa]

Endnote: India's love affair with delta wing continues...

Do you know what is the reason behind this love affair?

Thanks in advance.

 

[MrIndianSikh]

EFT will be the winner surely

this is like pornography for air forces i really hope EFT wins

 

[sancho]

According to your Air Chief...

He should join politics, he even convinced you that your fighters were comparable to the shortlisted, but the fact is, they are not and that's why they are out.

Btw, if you are refering to this part:

But then, each of the six contenders had given in writing that they would match the IAF requirements, including those for systems to be sourced from the US.

for your conclusion that US techs would be integrated in the winning fighter, you are highly mistaken! That statement only says that the systems sourced from the US would match IAF requirements, but not from which fighter and by the fact that it is talking about all 6 contenders, it's most likely the US fighters.
All the EF, or Rafale would use from the US are weapons, like LGB, PGMs, or anti radiation missiles, while I still hope that the UAE clears the integration of SLAM ER into Rafale, but neither radar, avionics, or engine will be US origin for sure.

 

[RayBan]

yaawwwwwnnnnn!

 

[MrIndianSikh]

According to your Air Chief, the American fighters had the best weapons, sensors and radar and in terms of flight performance the contenders were more or less evenly matched but the two Euro canards were marginally better in the air. He hopes to incorporate American technologies into the winning aircraft.

Now go back and read the first post and you will understand why the Europeans are concerned about bench marking and why some of the eliminated contenders are feeling optimistic about their chances. According to the Swedes, the Gripen is half the price for capability that by the admission of your own ACM closely matches Rafale and Typhoon. I honestly fail to see why India should spend an additional 10 billion on Rafale or Typhoon?



..:: India Strategic ::.. India set to decide big military aircraft deals

the F/18 super hornet had the best weapons and radar but the reason it was not chosen was because US was hesitant on TOT which was strictly mandatory

 

[sancho]

Like I said, it is the best shot for IAF, Rafale being a rather finely evolved air supremacy fighter from Dassault.

Further, IAF will find it easier to provide for operation & logistical req of Rafale, being similar to that of Mirage. Then, it is hundred percent French meaning sound ToT & no ITAR restrictions. And, they have also offered to integrate the Indian Kaveri on it...

As for Mirage 2000-5, IAF had almost gone that way in 2001, having been impressed by its Kargil exploits but as u said, production lines had closed & Rafale in the offing, which made IAF go for the MMRCA competition, instead: A very prudent move - Just imagine, what if IAF had contracted for 126 Mirage 2000-5...

Sidenote: Guys, Rafale will be having the RBE2-AA AESA radar & an awesome SPECTRA E Survival system.

Endnote: India's love affair with delta wing continues...

All true, but the key to win MMRCA is not only the best fighter for IAF, which indeed is the Rafale, but the best package that also includes industrial, or political advantages. Just like in the Brazilian competition, the industrial side with ToT, offsets, JV or co-developments are important points and will have a higher rating than unit cost for example. At the end, the one that offers the best package for the lowest cost should win and that's why the EF (although more expensive, delayed and less capable according to IAF needs) will remain with good chances to win, if they offer more on the industrial and political side.