sancho
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Off topic, you really have a thing against fteens!
Not at all, only against the current F18SH, because it's not a capable fighter. I like F15s and 16s and loved the F14! Btw, I also think the Mig 29K has no chance to be selected again, because it has no future. It is not a new fighter, only a naval re-design of the older Migs and the general design wich is decades old, can't be changed anymore. Two vertical tail fins, air intakes without ducts, limited use of composite and RAM material, limited range and payload...
But as I said, I do see chances for the F18SH to be selected by IN, if the Silent Hornet upgrades would not only be offered, but also developed by then.
The best choice imo would be Rafale M, for 3 reasons:
1) commonality to IAF
2) low procurement costs, since it can simply be added to the MMRCA deal
3) possibility of taking certain techs and weapons for a naval AMCA as well, which would ease the development
The downside of Rafale M is, that it has fixed wings and that no twin seat version is available, but it's the option with the highest future potential besides the F35 of course.