“126 or 200 twin-engine MMRCA,
and a tiny number of lca and some old Mirage.”
LOL – the IAF plans for the same number of LCAs as it does for the MMRCA. Both have ~126 aircraft planned with rest options! IAF has also now asked for 5.5 more squadrons to 45 from existing 39.5.
But to somehow justify the Gripen, you have to come up with convoluted numbers for the IAF composition. While correcting Sancho, do ensure your numbers are right!
As regards top-heavy, given IAF faces hundreds of heavy aircraft such as the J-11, Su-27, Su-30, and now even the J-20 etc – it has every right to decide its force composition.
LOL – the IAF plans for the same number of LCAs as it does for the MMRCA. Both have ~126 aircraft planned with rest options!
83 Aircraft is the LCA MK2 proposed order. Not 126.
India cannot match China fighter for fighter weapon for weapon. We should look at what China is doing to counter U.S superiority in certain areas and do the same with respect to China.
The Chinese will use cruise and ballistic missiles to target Indian Air Bases and defensive infrastructure before launching Air Raids, all these uber expensive fighters may be sitting ducks on destroyed run ways. The Gripen meanwhile can operate from highways and improvised air strips.
The WW2 Era landing strips which are being reactivated in the North East is can also be used by the Gripen.
The Peace time operation costs of all the twin engine heavies will bear down heavily on the IAF especially considering the increased number of squadrons. The money thus saved can be invested in other areas (more Cruise Missiles, Smart Bombs, SRBMS and the likes) which will give more of an edge during the battle.
So far I have never heard any IAF official favouring a twin engined fighter, while have had several favouring a cheap light fighter.
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