Seconded.Although I think it was a mistake to opt for MIG-29K rather than the Sea Gripen project considering usability,deployment in large numbers and maintenance costs for the Indian Navy.The tender is still up for grabs for future carriers of India,let's hope that the establishment favors the Swedes on this one.
Mig 29K was a combined deal with the Gorshkov carrier, so IN had no other option anyway and even if, Sea Gripen isn't on for the same reasons why IAF don't need it, because they get LCA!
IN didn't even sent the RFI for new carrier fighters to SAAB, they asked later to join, because all other MMRCA manufacturers were in too, that's why IN was so generous to accept them and were ready for some presentation. Realistically, the Sea Gripen has ZERO chances, because o numerous reasons:
- N-LCA is in the same class, with similar techs and capablilities and imo as limited as a carier fighter like the Sea Gripen
- it is even less developed than the N-LCA which at least is available as a demonstrator version today and soon will make it's first flight. Saab on the other side has not even a final prototype of the Gripen E/F, let alone a naval version based on it.
- Saab has no experience with re-designing a carrier fighter, which is the reason why they asked the UK for help on this, which once again shows, that they are as dependent on foreign countries like we are.
- because no other country has interest in the Sea Gripen and all development and later upgrade costs would be diverted to India alone, just like it will be the case for the naval typhoon.
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All the Gripen E/F or Sea Gripen would offer to India, are a bit more performance and some more weapons than LCA, so why should we pay for a foreign fighter development then? Simply not needed and the only chance today for a Gripen deal is Brazil and even that is very small today.