I have to admit the French Rafale does have some possibilities? Basically, somewhere between the Russian and American Designs. Yet, I still have my doubts…………….If, India decides to stay the course she will buy Russian. On the otherhand if she feels she needs closer ties with the West (i.e. US) and a bigger Technological Advantage she will go American………….I like the Rafale and could be a good choice for India. Yet, I just don’t see it happening………………..IMO

Sorry, I haven’t relented just yet…………:rolleyes:

Keep up with the news. The Nuke deal will be rejected by India and thats the only hope for F-18. On technical merit that plane will never win. 😀

Staying on course would mean buying planes from western source (Since Mig-29k and MKI deal are with russia, our traditional supplier), which would be France . A deal with US offers very poor technological returns not to mention probably obsolete technology that will not work during wartime. F-18 for India will never happen, not even if the nuke deal went through. Its basically Rafale or Mig-35.

India needs a tech edge and who is going to give it to them……………..she needs either the US or Europe!

Atlast you relent. Yes and the answer is europe in general and france in particular ?(Read Rafale).

Hasn’t USN alrady retired all Austin class LHD’s? I wonder if IN would purchase the remaining stock of spares that USN would not need.

Another thing that seems to have been over looked here (especially from the logistics king- Scooter), is the different tools needed for the Trenton! Remember that the US is the last bastion of “Imperial” mesaurements, thus this ship will require a completely new tool box just for it!

Not a very well thought through purchace!

I agree using trenton for anything other than learning the ropes on how to operate a LHD would be big waste of money. I hope they don’t plan to ever repair or overhaul that ship. Basically just buy it will any spares available from USN and make use of it till the ship starts falling apart or has to be retired.

A question regarding the Sea kings though, are the american seaing different from the one IN bought from augusta westland in terms of measurement units or would these 6 sea ings be another logistic nightmare.

Further, I think India wants an more advance type………at least a 4.5 generation fighter.:diablo:

Thats where the rafale fits in and whorenet:p fails.

The point is that China is a major threat to India and Russia has close ties! Usually you don’t want potential adversary to have military access to your most secret of capabilities……..As for the Rafale and winning the MRCA Contest not likley. Funny, you seem not able to have a construct of debate without being rude? Sorry, but your lack of maturity is showing……..;)

There is no point having a debate with someone living in denial. Open your eyes, India will never buy anything of stratergic value from US.

Rafale is the most likely choice for MMRCA. IAF will never allow a mediocre plane like F-18 to enter service. China is a major threat and Pakistan with american weapons is also a threat. Somehow your brain seems unable to comprehend that Indian armed forces do not consider americans their allies. US had offered joint development of F-35 which was rejected outright, the same will happen to the whorenets and the 737 based wedgetail that is being offered.

Russia always sells downgraded stuff to china, nothing new there. India will continue joint development with Russia, israel and france. You are simply blind if you cannot see the obvious.

Is it possible we could see a shift from mainly Russia Equipment to American for India’s Armed Forces? Especially, consider Russia’s closer ties to China…..

Nope, mainly due to USA’s close ties with terrorist/tinpot dictatorship regieme to our west. Russia, france and israel will continue to be main partners.