Please read the article carefully; 205 are the total numbers to be churned out and even if this includes potential exports
That's why I said, 150 orders and no, we won't replace AN 32 with MTA on a 1 on 1 basis. Infact with IAF requesting a licence production of a smaller aircraft to replace the Avros, which then will be in the AN 32 class and by the fact that IAF did't wanted MTA to be that big from the start and had to give in to Russian requirements, it is more likely they they will go for higher numbers of C295s or C27Js.
We must remember that there is no shortage of Russia's former customers and friendly countries.
And that these ex Soviet countries don't buy Russian stuff anymore, because they now have access to western arms as well! That's why they prefer F16s and Gripens over Mig 29SMTs, or even Mig 35, that's why neither Su 35 nor 34 have found a single export customer, that's why Russian civil aircrafts have no success...
The Soviet times are over and so are the times where Russia could sell huge numbers or aircrafts. With China and India now also turning away, because they get self reliant or have other alternatives, the Russian aero industry is in a even bigger mess. Why do you think they are offering us FGFA, MTA and even new helicopter developments? Because that is the only way to keep at least us as a buyer for useful numbers.
Heck, even Russia itself has understood that they have to go new ways and that's why they try to get closer to Europe and form JVs, or even procure European arms instead of developing own once (French LHDs and helicopters, Italian IFVs and even a joint LUH development are on the list).
Not to mention that Russia can't even say they have the cheapest alternatives to western stuff anymore, because that's Chinas selling point now.
Pray tell me how would it benefit us?
The KC-390 is in the same stage as the MTA is. So what is the distinctive advantage you're proposing?
That can be explained in the same manner, because both aircrafts has
- reputated manufacturers and international partners
- several countries that ordered and joined the production line of the aircrafts
- western quality and advanced techs
- higher world wide export chances
All these are fields where India would have benefitted, be it from experienced partners, working with western quality techs and materials, beeing part of a productionline that offers more potential...
The A400M is in a limbo right now. It costs much more than a C-130 and delivers only marginal advantage
Buddy, you obviously have never really compared an A400, AN70 or the C-2 with an C130 class aircraft. The fact that many countries today wants to replace older C130 with aircrafts in this class alone should tell you, that there is a clear advantage!
An A400 class aircraft can do anything a C130 can + it also offers strategic transport capabilities, which makes them useful for heavy and long range transports as well. That means, any airforce that can't afford to procure and operate an IL 76, C17 or have to lease an AN 124 to transport heavier vehicles around the world. will go for such aircrafts now, because they offer the full range of transport capabilities too.
A C130 class aircraft can carry troops and some jeeps, but not trucks, IFVs, self propelled howitzers, or even a helicopter and they offer only short to medium range too.
That's why Russia wants to buy up to 60 AN 70s, why Japan replaces older smaller transport aircrafts with the C2 and why many NATO countries procures the A400. That's even why I want such an aircraft in higher numbers for IAF as well, because 10 to 16 C17 will be not enough and too costly to do a rapid troop movement (Coldstart), which includes vehicles like trucks, IFVs, APCs, tank destroyers, or self propelled howitzers.
