Potential for the A-50/F-50 Golden Eagle?

The more I read about this aircraft, the more I am fascinated with it’s potential as a light combat aircraft.

To start off here are the latest specs via ACIG.

Estimated Cost for the combat version A-50:
$20-22 million per unit

Maximum take off weight
29,700 lbs

Empty Weight
14,285 lbs

Max Thrust (F404 variant)
17,000 lbs

Dimensions
Length: 13,13 m
Height: 4,90 m
Span: 9,17 m
Max Speed at Sea Level
Mach 1.5

Max Ceiling, 48,500ft

Rate of climb
37,000 ft/min

-3/+8G

It would seem that it has a better thrust to weight ratio than the Gripen, it’s climb rate is certainly better. What I’m interested in is clarifying if the t/w ratio is indeed superior (other sources) as well as the range (there were rumors that it is also superior, but I cannot clarify this).

What makes me interested in this aircraft is that it appears to be what a light weight fighter should be, cheap! For a new build aircraft it’s only other contemporaries are the FC-1. The Ching-Kuo, which is similar in performance and “did it” much earlier, is very unlikely to be exported, and it seems that India may not export the LCA or at least for not some time based on the posts below.

In comparison to the Gripen, it may offer better thrust and perhaps even better range, but most importantly, at a better cost. With the Gripen costing as much as the heavier F-16 Block 50-52, based on contracts and offers in Europe (ranging from 45m – 53m).

What the Gripen does have that it’s been out already and has been integrated with many exportable weapons such as Israeli, American and Swedish weapons so far.

However the Golden Eagle will be using an American Radar (APG-67) and has been displayed with Mavericks and sidewinders and there are already plans to implement it with the AMRAAM which should not be too difficult.

In Terms of Markets.. the Gripen has been popular with Eastern European nations (Czech, Hungary), and has scored only one order outside of Europe, that being South Africa, while it is currently competing in a Brazilian deal that seems likely to go to Sukhoi.

The ROKAF has finally ordered several Golden Eagles, and the type has captured Israel and Vietnam’s interest. With the latter perhaps using it to replace the aging MiG-21s.

If some kind of networking capability is added to it, ala Gripen, and it’s cost kept to under 25m.. it could lead to a great defensive aircraft that could be bought in numbers

any thoughts on it’s potential?