Unfortunately, the procurement guys that gave the ok for this have been too superficial in their selection overview in terms of only seeing the benefit that FMF will get them when it comes to buying hardware.
They don't realize that the Cobra Viper is an ENTIRELY new machine which will require a complete training of all personnel involved and is also NOT sanction proof.
The short term benefit of a freebie has clouded their judgement.
I doubt that is the case, mate. Usually in our countries, a lot of money exchanges hands and naturally in this case as well, I am sure that it would have happened.
Now I am not being complacent but the only reason our military opted for LCH en masse is because no other attack helicopter in the world currently offers that kind of endurance in Himalayan conditions and that it is based on a tried and tested (Dhruv) platform.
Otherwise, even our ministers would have chosen some foreign made gunship with fat commissions to Anthony and his Italian owner.
It is a disease in entire South Asia.
As for T-129s, Turkey has ordered those modifications for itself. It has to take AW's clearance. Let's face it; AgustaWestland would definitely want to reap the contract themselves rather than just let the Turks profit. There is bound to be some condition attached for re-exporting here.
Correct me if I am wrong but the AH-1Z is being offered at a much competitive pricing than what it would ideally cost a western attack helo, for you due to WOT and all. Or is it something else?
Imo what PA really wants is to to get itself out of this WOT and then think about such stuff.
Well to get out of this WOT, you will first need to fight your demons which are right now sitting right inside your territory. For that, you need attack helicopters which you're in shortage of big time.
Right now, what PA needs is some serious CAS gunships.