Source based news.. Take it with salt.
- DM MP is delaying taking decisions for Rafale
- Rafale program is 36+90+18+54+45+45+36+36 mix of Merignac and Indian MII.
- It is the 45+45+36+36 part which other bidders want to take and are offering competitive package.
- Unless the coat of such package is less than the localised Rafale cost with additional benefits, the program is a non starter.
- DM is trying to extract a deal from USA for jet powered drones from General Atomics
- Lockheed is still trying for F16/F35 program and now it's requesting for 80-120 jets deal with a small part in flyaway and rest under MII.
- Israel is roped in for sophisticated customization for the LM deal.
- Also F35 is being showcased for controlling unmanned drones via F35 pilot mode.
- In Singapore, le Drian discussion centered around
- Rafale negotiation of package
- A long chit chat on Neuron and package flowing to Indian UCAV program.
- NSG bid and some gift for USA was also discussed.
- F21 torpedo point was discussed
- MP updated around MII strategic partnerships
- Questions are being readied by some senior folks abt replacement program and pace of it. 3 sqds of Mig27 in 3 years max whereas pace of LCA and Rafale deal is too slow to their liking.
- Most probably PM NaMo would intervene in coming fortnight to make things in order.
- Speculations are rife that NSG bid failure via any Chinese veto directly or indirectly would see USA India deal on
- Jet powered armed drones
- LM program for aircraft
- A high altitude interceptor system
- ASW detection program
- Logistic related aircraft
- Jammer equipments and cooperation in NG jammer program
- Aircraft carrier program
Suspense llooksto continue closer to 24th June and post that steps are expected surely