PLAAF v. IAF
- Thread starter zoolander
- Start date
:- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #42
So the LCA is getting a french company to coproduce its component.
When will the plane come out and by that time will the plane already be a little old and in need of outgrading?
What i mean by time it will come out is when it will be mass produced.
I already talked about the J-10 enough. Lets talk about the LCA.
In my opinion the LCA is a big leap for the Indains. The plane's engine got major problems so its hard to specuolate general performance but by the size and shape, it is going to be a pretty nimble one.
The radar is state of the art and the weapon package is very good.
It is suppose to use Pyhone 4 and a-12s and such.
Even though it is a nice airplane, there is no prototype tat works very well.
correct me if i am wrong.
When will the plane come out and by that time will the plane already be a little old and in need of outgrading?
What i mean by time it will come out is when it will be mass produced.
I already talked about the J-10 enough. Lets talk about the LCA.
In my opinion the LCA is a big leap for the Indains. The plane's engine got major problems so its hard to specuolate general performance but by the size and shape, it is going to be a pretty nimble one.
The radar is state of the art and the weapon package is very good.
It is suppose to use Pyhone 4 and a-12s and such.
Even though it is a nice airplane, there is no prototype tat works very well.
correct me if i am wrong.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #44
i dont think they will waste 30+ years of research and development.
It is the only economical light weight fighter considering the new f-16s cost like 45 mil and dassaults cost around 60 mil
they also brought some missiles and aviotics just for the lca.
its very unlikely but what planes do u think coould replace it and give a price.
It is the only economical light weight fighter considering the new f-16s cost like 45 mil and dassaults cost around 60 mil
they also brought some missiles and aviotics just for the lca.
its very unlikely but what planes do u think coould replace it and give a price.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #46
The future light weight fighter for the chinese will be the J-10
What is going to be the Indian light weight fighter with the LCA out of the picture
F-16 block50 - 60?
Rafale
Mig-35????
Eurofighter?????
Mirage is also out of picture because it is being pulled from production. i see may the F-16 as a future or maybe india will just not buy a light weight fighter
it is rumored they will buy or buy kits to make more Su-30mki and also buy some f-18s
What is going to be the Indian light weight fighter with the LCA out of the picture
F-16 block50 - 60?
Rafale
Mig-35????
Eurofighter?????
Mirage is also out of picture because it is being pulled from production. i see may the F-16 as a future or maybe india will just not buy a light weight fighter
it is rumored they will buy or buy kits to make more Su-30mki and also buy some f-18s
Hey Zoolander, can you ellaborate more on the F-18 option please? As far as I know the offer from the US govt. to India is for F-16s, not F/A-18s, but, I haven't read anything about it since last November. Would IAF get ex US Navy regular Bugs or Super Bugs are considered as well?
It is not called "cold strike".aaaditya said:
The doctrine is called "Cold Start".
The offer is for Super Hornets.Gaenth said:
Just a small point of issue re naming here.
"Bug" is the RAAF nickname for a Hornet. There is no such nickname used by the USAF for their Hornets - and they do not refer to Super Hornets as "Super Bugs"
The USAF nickname for a Super Hornet is "Rhino"
dabrownguy
New Member
IAF fleet. Please correct me for mistakes.
The primary air domanance fighter of the IAF is the heavy wieght Su-30MKI. Its a two seater Flanker with canards, and TVC engines. This modification adds 1 ton extra weight. Luckily the TVC engines 1,900 lbs more thrust. This gives it extreme manuvarability. Its armed from R-77 to Kh-31 and comes with a open archetecture design to easy modifictions for other new weapons like the Pj-10. It also has a cockpit with French dails and displays and a French HUD. It also has a NO11-M Bars phased array radar. It could track fighters the size of Flankers and Eagles at a distance of 150 km and engage 8. It can find warship sized targets as far out as 400 km. Capable of DBS and SHAR mapping. The aircraft has a tri role. Also using a secur datalink the this tough machine can pull a mini-AWAC something the MiG-31 was famous for. It also has the latest self defence systems from Israel and India. In the future the aircraft could be the sole carrier of PJ-10 missiles with a total of 3 can be fitted and the R-172 ultra long range AAM. The missile is in joint Russian and Indian development with a range of 300 km with a primary purpose of high value aircraft like AWACS, and transports. The Indian Airforce has 52 in service. 2 were built at HAL so another 138 will be built under liecence production. Final delevieries will be made 2014-2015 and not 2017 as previosly planned.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Su-30/Su-30a1.jpg
MiG-29 the other air superiority fighter, it needs no introduction. About 67 are in service. They were modified a while back to use R-77 and Super Matra 530. They'll also undergo another upgrade soon with inflight refueling probe, radars and avonics.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Mig-29/MiG-29y.jpg
MiG-21 which is the back bone of the fleet is due to be phased out with the eventual MRCA tender and LCA. 186 MiG-21 of differenct versions are in service excluding the Bison.
145 MiG-21 Bisons will be in service with the IAF. They're upgraded MiG-21 Bis. I've taken into account the number of MiG-21 Bisons in serice and the number to be upgraded to get 145. This aircraft is the ultimate upgrade for the MiG-21. It gives it the ability to use R-77 BVRAAM and the R-73 with HMS. Aswell as external jammers and new self defence systems. The radar can track and engage targets as far out as 70 km. It also has reduced RCS due to the RAM paint.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/events/images/Static06.jpg
52 Mirage 2000H
MiG-27ML the ground attack aircraft. About 117 of these are in service. With a payload of 4 tons it carries Kh-29 ground attack TV guied missiles and dumb bombs aswell as rockets. The upgrade program which is currently being done will give them inflight refueling probe. LGB capability and capable of using R-73 AAM. (The contractors for the upgrade are HAL, DRDO and the IAF itself with some components outsourced. The first 40 are being upgraded at HAL MiG complex at Ozhar. Upgrade components include a new glass cockpit (with 2 Sextant MFD-55s, VTR, HUD Camera, NVG) ,Sextant SBU-84 RLG based INS w/ GPS and GLONASS, Elta Litening-II, El-op HUD, Vectop video recording system, TAAS Counter measures dispenser (CMDS), mission computer from ADA, digital moving map generator from Elbit, tranquil (predecessor to tarang) RWR, tempest jammer, Vinten VICON 18 Srs 601GP pod, new airconditioning system, totally new communications equipment, possibly the Komar pod mounted radar and a much needed non-retractable IFR probe.)
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Mig-27/MiG-27j.jpg
MiG-23BN is the same thing as MiG-27. The IAF has 18 in service.
MiG-23MF are air combat aircraft being phased out. 18 are still in service.
4 MiG-25 FoxBats due to retirea anytime.
101 Jagaurs. They do everything from low level bombing to maritime strike. Upgraded Jaguars were handed over to the IAF. The carry litning pods, LGB and have inflight refueling. Plus a payload of 4.5 tons. These are also differen't from Nato varients because these have 2 extra hardpoints on top of the wing for AAM missiles like the Magic2.
http://www.acig.org/artman/uploads/jaguar_front.jpg
8 Canberra used for reconnaissance.
http://www.acig.org/artman/uploads/canberra_side4.jpg
200+ Mi-8/Mi-17 utility and transport helecopters. The Mi-8 is being replaced by Mi-17.
32 Mi-25/35 assualt helecopters with night attack capability.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Aircraft/Specs/index.html
4 heavy lift Mi-26 helecopters. Used to supply troops on Saichen.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Aircraft/Specs/index.html
48 Cheetak. Light transport helecopter.
24 Cheetah. Extremely light helceopter.
6+ HAL Dhurv. Due to replace the Cheetaks.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Aircraft/Specs/index.html
24 Il-76 MD. Heavy transport. Emergency time bombers.
6 Il-78MKI fleet refuelers with 6 more on order.
An-32 medium lift aircraft. 112 in service. Also emergency bombers.
64 HAL HS-748 medium lift aircraft.
40 Do-228 light transport.
84 HJT-16 Kiran trainers. Will be replaced by HAL IJT.
Naval Airarm.
16 Harriers. Undergoing upgrades for new radar thus giving it BVR capability with DERBY AAM. Also carrys Sea Eagles AShM.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Images/Harrier14.jpg
15 Do-288-101. Equipped with Elta El/M-2022A-V3 radar and other things I can name.
http://www.acig.org/artman/uploads/do228-ew-3.jpg
10 Tu-142 BearF. Used for long range maritime patrol and strike. Likily possiblity that they will revice a MLU for PJ-10 Barhmos. 6 total could be carried. Already armed with SeaEagle AShM.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Images/Tu-142a.jpg
Il-38 May maritime patrol. Used for ASW. 6 in service and undergoing an extensive upgrade. Some complete. (The fully digital Sea Dragon suite is designed to detect and intercept surface vessels and submarines as well as detect mines and carry out surveillance. The suite also can detect airborne targets and can be linked to the Russian Glonass satellite navigation system.)
12+ Cheetak. Used for ASW. Being replaced by Naval Dhurv.
4 SeaKings. Used for ASW, anti-shipping and trasnport.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Images/Seaking16.jpg
11 Ka-31 Helix used for AEW.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Images/Ka-31a.jpg
13 Ka-28 Helix ASW helecopter.
2+ Naval HAL Dhurv. Navy has a requirment for 120 to replace the Sea King, Ka-25, and Cheetaks.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Images/ALH-10.jpg
Coast Gaurd.
17 Cheetaks. Probabily using the same Naval Cheetaks that get phased out with the induction of Naval Dhurv.
24 Do-228-101 maritime patrol. Probabily be replaced by SARAS.
3+ HAL Dhurvs. Set to recieve a total of 7.
The Navy also operates a variety of UAV's for Israel.
The Indian Army by its self operates a large number of Cheetahs and Cheetaks. Right now the have 10+ Dhurvs in service. They need a 120 to replace the Cheetaks armed and unarmed. There is also a tender for 197 LOH to replace the Cheetahs in service with the Army.
Future Indian plans for a stronger air arm includes induction of 3 Phalcon AWACS with an option of 3 more. Now thats no to say IAF won't have more. There is an indegnious work a AWACS aswell with a reported 10 or more to be procured when completed hopefully by 2012. Of course the Phalcon AWACS will arrive by 2007. The AWACS radar will be mounted on a Il-76 aircraft. Inflight refueling will probabily recieve another boost with 6 more Il-78MKI. And perhaps a buddy to buddy refueling system. The IAF plans to counter enemy high value targets like AWACS with the ultra long range R-172. There is also a tender for 124-202 MRCA with hopefully Rafale winning the tender. Mark my words people. MICA will definitly be inducted if that goes through. They're also looking at inducting Python 5 aswell. DRDO is working on their own Astra BVRAAM. Theres also some rumors about 80 meduim lift helcopters and 40 heavy assualt. If anyone has any info on that i'd like to see it. Theres also a joint MTA project to replace the ageing meduim lift aircraft in IAF and Russian service. And finally the Tejas which will replace the MiG-21's. 8 LSP will be given to the IAF this year apperantly. If it meets standards the IAF could purchase as many as 220 with 20 or 40 for the Navy plus the 16 the Navy is set to recieve already and the additional 24 avaliable.
Bottom line
Air superiority
171+ high end air superiority and multi-role fighters. (Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, MiG-29.)
145 MiG-21 Bisons with BVRAAM and HMS plus multi role capability.
254+ ground attack and multirole aircraft. (Jaguars, MiG-27/23)
186+ MiG-21.
The primary air domanance fighter of the IAF is the heavy wieght Su-30MKI. Its a two seater Flanker with canards, and TVC engines. This modification adds 1 ton extra weight. Luckily the TVC engines 1,900 lbs more thrust. This gives it extreme manuvarability. Its armed from R-77 to Kh-31 and comes with a open archetecture design to easy modifictions for other new weapons like the Pj-10. It also has a cockpit with French dails and displays and a French HUD. It also has a NO11-M Bars phased array radar. It could track fighters the size of Flankers and Eagles at a distance of 150 km and engage 8. It can find warship sized targets as far out as 400 km. Capable of DBS and SHAR mapping. The aircraft has a tri role. Also using a secur datalink the this tough machine can pull a mini-AWAC something the MiG-31 was famous for. It also has the latest self defence systems from Israel and India. In the future the aircraft could be the sole carrier of PJ-10 missiles with a total of 3 can be fitted and the R-172 ultra long range AAM. The missile is in joint Russian and Indian development with a range of 300 km with a primary purpose of high value aircraft like AWACS, and transports. The Indian Airforce has 52 in service. 2 were built at HAL so another 138 will be built under liecence production. Final delevieries will be made 2014-2015 and not 2017 as previosly planned.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Su-30/Su-30a1.jpg
MiG-29 the other air superiority fighter, it needs no introduction. About 67 are in service. They were modified a while back to use R-77 and Super Matra 530. They'll also undergo another upgrade soon with inflight refueling probe, radars and avonics.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Mig-29/MiG-29y.jpg
MiG-21 which is the back bone of the fleet is due to be phased out with the eventual MRCA tender and LCA. 186 MiG-21 of differenct versions are in service excluding the Bison.
145 MiG-21 Bisons will be in service with the IAF. They're upgraded MiG-21 Bis. I've taken into account the number of MiG-21 Bisons in serice and the number to be upgraded to get 145. This aircraft is the ultimate upgrade for the MiG-21. It gives it the ability to use R-77 BVRAAM and the R-73 with HMS. Aswell as external jammers and new self defence systems. The radar can track and engage targets as far out as 70 km. It also has reduced RCS due to the RAM paint.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/events/images/Static06.jpg
52 Mirage 2000H
MiG-27ML the ground attack aircraft. About 117 of these are in service. With a payload of 4 tons it carries Kh-29 ground attack TV guied missiles and dumb bombs aswell as rockets. The upgrade program which is currently being done will give them inflight refueling probe. LGB capability and capable of using R-73 AAM. (The contractors for the upgrade are HAL, DRDO and the IAF itself with some components outsourced. The first 40 are being upgraded at HAL MiG complex at Ozhar. Upgrade components include a new glass cockpit (with 2 Sextant MFD-55s, VTR, HUD Camera, NVG) ,Sextant SBU-84 RLG based INS w/ GPS and GLONASS, Elta Litening-II, El-op HUD, Vectop video recording system, TAAS Counter measures dispenser (CMDS), mission computer from ADA, digital moving map generator from Elbit, tranquil (predecessor to tarang) RWR, tempest jammer, Vinten VICON 18 Srs 601GP pod, new airconditioning system, totally new communications equipment, possibly the Komar pod mounted radar and a much needed non-retractable IFR probe.)
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Mig-27/MiG-27j.jpg
MiG-23BN is the same thing as MiG-27. The IAF has 18 in service.
MiG-23MF are air combat aircraft being phased out. 18 are still in service.
4 MiG-25 FoxBats due to retirea anytime.
101 Jagaurs. They do everything from low level bombing to maritime strike. Upgraded Jaguars were handed over to the IAF. The carry litning pods, LGB and have inflight refueling. Plus a payload of 4.5 tons. These are also differen't from Nato varients because these have 2 extra hardpoints on top of the wing for AAM missiles like the Magic2.
http://www.acig.org/artman/uploads/jaguar_front.jpg
8 Canberra used for reconnaissance.
http://www.acig.org/artman/uploads/canberra_side4.jpg
200+ Mi-8/Mi-17 utility and transport helecopters. The Mi-8 is being replaced by Mi-17.
32 Mi-25/35 assualt helecopters with night attack capability.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Aircraft/Specs/index.html
4 heavy lift Mi-26 helecopters. Used to supply troops on Saichen.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Aircraft/Specs/index.html
48 Cheetak. Light transport helecopter.
24 Cheetah. Extremely light helceopter.
6+ HAL Dhurv. Due to replace the Cheetaks.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Aircraft/Specs/index.html
24 Il-76 MD. Heavy transport. Emergency time bombers.
6 Il-78MKI fleet refuelers with 6 more on order.
An-32 medium lift aircraft. 112 in service. Also emergency bombers.
64 HAL HS-748 medium lift aircraft.
40 Do-228 light transport.
84 HJT-16 Kiran trainers. Will be replaced by HAL IJT.
Naval Airarm.
16 Harriers. Undergoing upgrades for new radar thus giving it BVR capability with DERBY AAM. Also carrys Sea Eagles AShM.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Images/Harrier14.jpg
15 Do-288-101. Equipped with Elta El/M-2022A-V3 radar and other things I can name.
http://www.acig.org/artman/uploads/do228-ew-3.jpg
10 Tu-142 BearF. Used for long range maritime patrol and strike. Likily possiblity that they will revice a MLU for PJ-10 Barhmos. 6 total could be carried. Already armed with SeaEagle AShM.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Images/Tu-142a.jpg
Il-38 May maritime patrol. Used for ASW. 6 in service and undergoing an extensive upgrade. Some complete. (The fully digital Sea Dragon suite is designed to detect and intercept surface vessels and submarines as well as detect mines and carry out surveillance. The suite also can detect airborne targets and can be linked to the Russian Glonass satellite navigation system.)
12+ Cheetak. Used for ASW. Being replaced by Naval Dhurv.
4 SeaKings. Used for ASW, anti-shipping and trasnport.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Images/Seaking16.jpg
11 Ka-31 Helix used for AEW.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Images/Ka-31a.jpg
13 Ka-28 Helix ASW helecopter.
2+ Naval HAL Dhurv. Navy has a requirment for 120 to replace the Sea King, Ka-25, and Cheetaks.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Images/ALH-10.jpg
Coast Gaurd.
17 Cheetaks. Probabily using the same Naval Cheetaks that get phased out with the induction of Naval Dhurv.
24 Do-228-101 maritime patrol. Probabily be replaced by SARAS.
3+ HAL Dhurvs. Set to recieve a total of 7.
The Navy also operates a variety of UAV's for Israel.
The Indian Army by its self operates a large number of Cheetahs and Cheetaks. Right now the have 10+ Dhurvs in service. They need a 120 to replace the Cheetaks armed and unarmed. There is also a tender for 197 LOH to replace the Cheetahs in service with the Army.
Future Indian plans for a stronger air arm includes induction of 3 Phalcon AWACS with an option of 3 more. Now thats no to say IAF won't have more. There is an indegnious work a AWACS aswell with a reported 10 or more to be procured when completed hopefully by 2012. Of course the Phalcon AWACS will arrive by 2007. The AWACS radar will be mounted on a Il-76 aircraft. Inflight refueling will probabily recieve another boost with 6 more Il-78MKI. And perhaps a buddy to buddy refueling system. The IAF plans to counter enemy high value targets like AWACS with the ultra long range R-172. There is also a tender for 124-202 MRCA with hopefully Rafale winning the tender. Mark my words people. MICA will definitly be inducted if that goes through. They're also looking at inducting Python 5 aswell. DRDO is working on their own Astra BVRAAM. Theres also some rumors about 80 meduim lift helcopters and 40 heavy assualt. If anyone has any info on that i'd like to see it. Theres also a joint MTA project to replace the ageing meduim lift aircraft in IAF and Russian service. And finally the Tejas which will replace the MiG-21's. 8 LSP will be given to the IAF this year apperantly. If it meets standards the IAF could purchase as many as 220 with 20 or 40 for the Navy plus the 16 the Navy is set to recieve already and the additional 24 avaliable.
Bottom line
Air superiority
171+ high end air superiority and multi-role fighters. (Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, MiG-29.)
145 MiG-21 Bisons with BVRAAM and HMS plus multi role capability.
254+ ground attack and multirole aircraft. (Jaguars, MiG-27/23)
186+ MiG-21.
Before anyone continues on with posting in this thread. Please take time to work out a meaningful strategic or tactical concept that provides differentiation.
Lists and matrices of platforms, types and their numbers does not so anything except expose the thread to a "mine is bigger than yours" style of debate.
As some would know - that kind of discussion deteriorates the quality of debate rather rapidly.
If we can't move beyond the absolute numbers game, then the thread risks closure.
Lists and matrices of platforms, types and their numbers does not so anything except expose the thread to a "mine is bigger than yours" style of debate.
As some would know - that kind of discussion deteriorates the quality of debate rather rapidly.
If we can't move beyond the absolute numbers game, then the thread risks closure.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #52
for the future multirole aircraft mig 29s are a liitle iffy. I doubt they will buy new ones but they will upgrade their current migs. Mirage 2000 have been taken out because Dassault aviations have decided to covert all their factorys to make Rafales.
su-30mki are goin into kit productions about 140 will be made. They will be finished at 2012-2014.
F-18s super hornets are a possible future air craft and so is the Rafale.
su-30mki are goin into kit productions about 140 will be made. They will be finished at 2012-2014.
F-18s super hornets are a possible future air craft and so is the Rafale.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #53
i just need to add something. I didnt see this before.
I honestly dont think the mrca is going to come out in the next 10-15 years.
The LCA project is a bust. The current prototypes can only hit around 0.3 mach. They have aviotic problems but mainly engine problems. many of the MRCA's parts and designs come from the LCA. for example the wings and the ENGINE. If the LCA comes out it should be out around 2010-2015 but that is a big if.
The MRCA is going to be pushed back a great deal by the failure of the Kavari engine.
I honestly dont think the mrca is going to come out in the next 10-15 years.
The LCA project is a bust. The current prototypes can only hit around 0.3 mach. They have aviotic problems but mainly engine problems. many of the MRCA's parts and designs come from the LCA. for example the wings and the ENGINE. If the LCA comes out it should be out around 2010-2015 but that is a big if.
The MRCA is going to be pushed back a great deal by the failure of the Kavari engine.
chrishorne
New Member
As an outsiders view ( a kiwi living in london of all things), it does seem that the LCA is ok as an development plane but thats about it. If India can purchase outside aircraft (and have the ability to build/support them in india) then Why would you continue to build an aircraft that by the time its ready is inferior to the aircraft its suppose to be facing?
It seems like india is trying to build an aircraft with similar specs to the Gripen, so why not just buy the Gripen. Go one better and Buy so many base Gripens and then in partnership with Gripen International actually Develop the Gripen into everything India Wants out of the lCA - AESA radar (which Ericson has been helping out with India on AESA Radar for lca anyway) and even an engine change - F414 or EJ200 and make it carrier capable.
I actually think the MCRA is flawed as it seems to want too many capabilities out of a single aircraft. A better mix would seem to me to be Super Flankers and Gripens.
It seems like india is trying to build an aircraft with similar specs to the Gripen, so why not just buy the Gripen. Go one better and Buy so many base Gripens and then in partnership with Gripen International actually Develop the Gripen into everything India Wants out of the lCA - AESA radar (which Ericson has been helping out with India on AESA Radar for lca anyway) and even an engine change - F414 or EJ200 and make it carrier capable.
I actually think the MCRA is flawed as it seems to want too many capabilities out of a single aircraft. A better mix would seem to me to be Super Flankers and Gripens.
This is actually a perennial problem for Indian development and procurement. There is a disconnect often between DRDO and the client about what is actually the requirement.chrishorne said:
The other thing is that project management often fails to follow proper timelines and esp in review. I think to some extent the parochial aspect over dominates practicality. It is something that even the Indian Govt has acknowledged. The problem is that someone in Ind Govt has to have the courage to make a stand and actually get projects to follow the requirements based protocols and procedures.
LCA is a classic example of parochialism over riding practicalities and better opportunities.
local builds and developments should never over ride practicality and procurement/development pragmatism.
dabrownguy
New Member
Most IAF officers believe they need 60 sqds by 2020 to mantian a watch over India and the Indian Ocean. If we assume India recieves the 190 Su-30 MKI and 124-202 MRCA then that is still not enough.
Also is there a chance that India has developed counter measures to Su-30MK? They did operate the jets. And PLAAF hasn't seen the Su-30MKI.
Also is there a chance that India has developed counter measures to Su-30MK? They did operate the jets. And PLAAF hasn't seen the Su-30MKI.
I'm not sure why the Gripen is not more seriously considered either, it was developed to be used in the Field, with minimum ground crew, with fast turn around, and operation in a networked environment. It’s short legs are made up by the fact that it can be operated closer to the ‘front’ and it can be refuelled in the air. India could get a licensing agreement to build and jointly develop upgrades with Sweden.chrishorne said:
Is it the best, no it is not, but it is better than most and cheaper, easier to maintain and used in conjunction with the SU-30 would be well suited to the Indian environment.
its certainly the fastest way to get a proven netcentric ready platform deployed.Whiskyjack said: