all future F-16 wings will be built in India

[randomradio]

I just hope we don't get unpleasantly surprised. IAF and MoD are making a mockery of India's air asset acquisition. They are behaving like clueless kids in the midst of a boy scout camp on their first day.

Right now is the time to either vector all the would-be extra Rafale funds to two different segments: AMCA and Tejas Mk2.

What we need to do is capacity development. MoD is already in talks with Russia for 40 additional MKIs:

http://idrw.org/mod-and-iaf-talk-and-might-say-yes-to-40-more-sukhoi-su-30-mki-fighters/

Since we don't see a foreseeable air war happening any time soon (forget it in the Himalayas, given the realistic restrictions due to terrain and cost), it would be prudent to vector the funds towards Mk2s and AMCA, in which case, the latter can be expedited on war footing.

ADA might as well start collaborating with 'outsourcing' its scientists to private sector companies who can operate with these scientists much faster.

Also, a law can be brought in place whereby IAF is banned from buying 5th gen jets from foreign entities till AMCA is released and inducted.

Unless we do these things, AMCA has a bleak future with IAF doing the role play of a 13 year old moody teenager.

We won't be buying the F-16. It won't even get shortlisted.

Also, even with FGFA, Rafale and LCA lines running together, we will likely not make it to 42 squadrons by 2032.

And AMCA won't be affected by imports of 5th gen jets.

 

[Tshering22]

We won't be buying the F-16. It won't even get shortlisted.

Also, even with FGFA, Rafale and LCA lines running together, we will likely not make it to 42 squadrons by 2032.

And AMCA won't be affected by imports of 5th gen jets.

You are just too optimistic my friend. If we can get dead-beat old Jaguars from France, we can get anything. Never underestimate the foolishness of our bureaucrats and ministers. At a time when Jaguars should be retired, we are looking at salvaged Jaguars for cannibalising parts.

It is extremely foolish and waste of money.

Imports cost $$. And that is something finite in Indian government.

If that money can be vectored towards AMCA, we will have a functional combat aircraft by 2025 at least at a prototype level, from which, ADA can always make improvements in Tranche versions.

 

[randomradio]

You are just too optimistic my friend. If we can get dead-beat old Jaguars from France, we can get anything. Never underestimate the foolishness of our bureaucrats and ministers. At a time when Jaguars should be retired, we are looking at salvaged Jaguars for cannibalising parts.

The Jaguars were purchased for spares supply. The French Jaguars were free.

IAF won't pick the F-16, this has nothing to do with optimism. It's a junk aircraft, it won't make the shortlist.

If that money can be vectored towards AMCA, we will have a functional combat aircraft by 2025 at least at a prototype level, from which, ADA can always make improvements in Tranche versions.

This is the plan anyway.