They already operate 165 F-15J and 48DJ. Delivered between 1980 and 1999.
Additional those ~ 90 F-2. 125 F-4’s are to be replaced. If they really like to replace the F-4 asap, then the F-15 is the only a/c that makes sense, with those two-types-only in mind. Otherwise I would think the French should move their asses and sell them the Rafale.

What about an F-15E lease/purchase?

How many aircraft can it carry, is it a cat operated ac or stobar, how many runways? 🙂

Sameer,

The new Italian will be operating STOVL types only, i.e. F-35B in time one would expect. Single runway, and a ski jump.

there have been rumblings that germans tested a naval version
of their Pzh2000 155mm 52cal weapon. Such a system or a denel T6 in a naval stabilized turret look better able to go after land targets since 50km is attainable with ER shells and maybe 70km with the VLAP projectiles?

The Germans did. Under Project MONARC, at least the fitting of the PzH2000 turret to an F124 FFG. Not sure if they actually test fired it though.

Basing it on the Pr.885 YASEN class makes a lot of sense. The design is far more modern and capable. Where as the rumours around the Chinese type 093 SSN is that it supposed to based on the much older VICTOR III design.

Austin – great stuff! Answers a LOT of questions. 🙂

The F/A-18C is a great a/c and although the (final standard, 5 MFD) cockpit of the F/A-18E is really impressive, it’s absolutely mind-bogglingly insane to have such an aircraft replace the F-14.

5 MFDs in the Super Hornet? Where are they going to put the 5th? See below for the current SH cockpit.

Hope I am not wrong this time around 🙂

No, you got it right Austin. Nice article. And I got your e-mail too. Good to see Maz is still writing, I have not seen anything from him in a while. We co-wrote one piece together about 4 years now. In the article he mentions the Shtil-1 SAM system again using either 9M38M1 or the improved M2. I am again confused, as the 9M317 seems to be missile of choice on the TALWAR-class and P15A. Why not the P17? And yes it does mention ASTER-30. But will it be ASTER 30? And not ASTER-15? In my opinion I think ASTER may follow on with the P17A.

If it is to be 100km-range ASTER-30, it would appear the Indians will follow the European example and build a dedicated AAW vessel (which they really need) on a 5,000+ ton hull and called it a frigate. If the P17A does become the primary AAW type, it will be interesting to see which way they go for the radar suite.

Thanks for the info Austin. 🙂

Naval Forces 4/2003 (IIRC) has carried an article on Future IN Development

Austin, I get NAFO magazine, and that issue doesn’t seem to have anything significant on India. I have not re-newed NAFO this year yet so I don’t have any 2004 issues.