Well tell you most important thing
From a blog this statement sums up the view best:
" The IAF might not have made a statement of 'We is best' but many news papers closely linked to the Indian government have done so. The RAF has to respond in some way, especially considering the perilous situation of its funding and future support and acquisitions with the SDSR coming up later this year. It's completely blown up beyond proportion and it makes sense for the RAF, having been effectively accused of the media of being utterly useless, to make a reasonable response."
So there you have it ,,, now why would pro government newspaper make claims which may be at times beyond scope of comprehension and leads to lots of heartburn
Simple for news media catchy and idiotic headlines gets more web hits and more revenue earned via that..
What abt the government?
Officially its IAF statement which says it all.. no scorelines.. no result talks.. all diplomatic language.
Off the record, i feel this if its a Government of India, a la Doval type strategy then you can expect two scenarios
Scenario 1:
Accept Su30 MKI is good enough and you see them as the dominant bird in IAF.. Expect more new birds either directly from Russia or new orders beyond 272 and keeping line open beyond 2021
Scenario 2:
Say and accept with honesty the "weakness" of MKI in BVR combat and also when you end up doing high bleeding enegry maneuvers,,.. This opens up the door for making informed opinions among the domestic massess and makes up new pressure on MOD/GOI to effectively look at options to working out this "weakness". In simple words, it opens up the path for Say Rafales/PAKFA procurement irrespective of cost/delays..
If i remember correctly in Cope 2004, truly India scored 9:1 kills when it engaged with larger number of MKis vs F15s.. on record, US accepted that.. But most folks should also remember that that was the time for budget discussion for F22.. So this "underhanded" tactic/strategy enabled the budget approval for F22 program in a big way.. Thus a history can be repeated.. RAF needs to retire its Tornados too and typhoons are costly for them due to budgetary as well as manpower training constraints. India on other hand needs the domestic masses to come to terms of true cost of modern jets which are costly and the need is strategic in nature..
For others who are just laughing bashing and enjoying on silliness... you folks just played into he hands of this strategy.. it was much smarter to say MKI is better and face MKIs in case of an engagement rather than face MKI/PAKFA/Rafales.. after all its ur own assertiveness questioning the efficacy of results along with this online debate on indradhanush 2015 which will become the stepping stone for procurement which were stalled over costs and public perceptions. BTW its not just PDF but many many forums across globe debating on this... (Some blogs clearly suggest its a repeat pf Cope 2004 underhanded tactic for getting procurement approval)
think a bit calmly.. not any rheortic.. you will see clearly whats really going on..
@Abingdonboy : I know my friend you have taken lots of stick and personalised attacks on this topic.. but no worries mate.. keep up the good work.. Soon a day will come when views truly supporting what u said will emerge.. perhaps when a Doval like person opens up and says about this strategy in a packed auditorium 10 years later