lol nothing is coming out clear. I personally feel 36+18 Rafales off the shelf and other 70-80 aircraft under make in India( F-18SH most probably)
Which adds two fleets, one micro and one mini to India's impressive type list.
Not only has the hidden goal of a three tier air force emerged from the MMRCA
due to overrunning on time but I trust it was seized willfully by the present GoI.
Without future projects, IAF could sport in 10 years : 300+- MKI, 100+- Rafales and 100+LCAs.
Not a bad base for realistic day to day considerations ... and all made in India!
Then you pick the one or ones in the trio that get you top results and hike prod.!
F18 S/H might be the one
If they provide source codes, AESA and growler it might not be that bad
Yeah but If they provide source codes, AESA and growler, you better bring your
umbrella with your skates as you visit hellfire, cause there'll be pig dung dropping.
I wonder how will Rafale square out against Chengdu J-20s. I pray that these are enough for 500+ fifth gen LO J-20.
We still lack the 120 J-20s
much less 500 although they could be there soon if LRIP goes well
but we also lack their concept of use by the PLAAF. For now, China is still lagging
on systems : engines, electronic and optronics. The value of these will impact
the tactics of PLAAF. And it is still a very big bird! Something a small bird of prey
flying closer to the ground can spot in contrast to the sky?
I think most J-20s will be guarding the East personally. Unless Putin grows nastier ...
We must keep the Americans thinking they still have a foot in the door as it will help with further orders for the Rafale. If the french think they are the only vendor they will stick to their guns and not move on the price.
You'll find that we didn't move on price that much when the rest comes out ...
which considering the initial G2G deal is actually base price, close to cost.
But lowest price on something no one else could sell you is a great deal?
Good day all, Tay.
why is it that the French forces still do not use the TOPSIGHT/any HMD for their Rafales when Dassualt had already demonstrated it long back on the Rafale?
It was a monetary choice. Budgets dictate choices and some capacities
are possible without a given aid or not essential. Considering the Rafale
was found able to complete all its missions without an HMD, it was seen
as optional and not financed.
The FSO(/OSF) is in a similar case. Some components became obsolete
and and a slightly different tech solution was used in the follow-up. It could
still see changes too
( remember that the system can be changed in 30 to 90 mins ).
A newer version is possible.
On those, India could have (
played ) a card to play. A JV to produce the
systems exists for the TopSight and an OSF one could be had for the MII.*
If the Indian side produces at French standards and the French govt yields
to the necessity of either or both ( fingers crossed ), it could be co-financed.
But the details have not come out yet so let's be patient.
The most logical selection remains the uprated engines.
Good day Abingdon my friend and stay calm so as to stay here, Tay
* Although parts would be sourced at best!