Cross posting from PARIKRAMA
This is the news you were anticipating the most.. here goes
Back to back evaluation of modified Israeli F16 followed by LCA took place for high altitude and extreme cold zone performance and mission efficiency.
Tejas performed better than F16 in our airbase tests. That's confirmed and now on record with IAF again post MMRCA.
Also there was a problem with engine sheat fins getting jammed and a special anti freeze had to be used which is again imported.
The Tejas engine while lower power was able to work after pre heat and heat up cycles.
Now the MK2 development story
A radical proposition is being evaluated -Mk2-S
The Mk2-S is the dual engine variant of Tejas and is said to have a similar wing design as the SE MK2. Essentially it will have more power to boost.
There are tests going on for vectoring right now and seeking advisability to remove those huge radar beacons in the back.
Now new procurements updates
Rules for large plane requirements were passed by the government.
Finalizing rules and then posting the requirements to all the countries for invites is left.
Its now a Grade-A deal which has increased from Grade-C two months ago.
Invite for a formal MII will come to your side soon as official are formally moving.. off the shelf numbers will be jacked up as per the indications as well..
Limited chance left for all foreign OEMs.. whomosver comes will be the one who will design the internal of Mk2-S Tejas variant and will be twin engine powered (targeted Safranised Kaveri)
If Dassualt grabs it then Mk2-S will be mini Rafale (
@MilSpec).
The F16 and Gripen chances are reduced a lot with performance of Tejas....only left is when they will get inducted in large numbers..