Primarily because it is a point defence system designed to be the last line of missiles before the cannon have a go.

Outer layer: F35.
Medium to outer layer: Sea Viper.
Inner layer to Medium layer: Sea Cepter.
Point defence: RIM-116.
Last ditch defence: CIWS cannon.

Each system has a nice overlap. Give me the choice and I would prefer enabling technology like CEC to be installed on the fleet then RIM-116 on the carriers.

CEC would give a quantum leap on RN capability by networking or the systems together.

In effect I regard RIM-116 on QE class as an idle nice to have rather then anything I think seriously about as the CIWS canon on the carriers overlaps the engagement range of Sea Cepter. Also we mustn’t forget the soft kill capabilty of chaff rockets, something shown to be effective during the Falklands war.

On an idle side note I remember having a conversation with one of the maintainers of HMS Illustrious Goal Keeper cannon at a Portsmouth navy day several years ago. In his opinion if you got to the point where you had to rely on his cannon he would already be sitting in the life boat ready to cast off! Best policy is take out the launch platform and beyond that try spoof or engage the missile as far out as possible.

Well its true that the Rafale and the Typhoon both cleared the technical and tactical evals and the final selection was based on cost only. But reports suggest that the IAF preferred the Rafale more , which means that the Rafale clearly was the topper in the IAF evaluations.

And there reports saying exactly the same for Typhoon. Too bored to carry on this sillyness.

Rafale got the contract…fantastic! Without it the line would of closed pretty soon. Life is too short but I am fed up with the petty slights on Typhoon.

I know Nicolas10 crazy isn’t it! Sweden will be swimming in spare Gripen at this rate.

I’m half surprised that nobody hasn’t snapped up those surplus A/B Gripen. Even without the modifications SAAB offer to make it NATO compliant its a darn tasty aircraft for the price and low mileage.

The Typhoon is also out because they don ‘t need a “second best” to their 126 Rafales ..

Now now! Both aircraft met the technical needs of the competition and Typhoon was found to be better in certain technical areas whilst the Rafale in others. Don’t try and spin it otherwise the contest WAS VERY CLEAR on this…the final part of the contest was cost based only!

So far people have been fairly cordial about the result don’t sink it now with silly comments like that.

Indeed, actual range will be slightly off anyhow. We won’t know anyhow as it will be classified as these things always are.

The amusing thing about this is the RAF are getting a serious upgrade for ASRAAM paid for by the Army and Navy.

On a side note adding the RADAR seeker to ASRAAM might make an interesting budget option to METEOR in the BVR role.

Isn’t the C27J Australias first choice for a Caribou replacement. If the price is right I could see some going to them.

Another country that could benefit from a small purchase is the UK it would be a superior choice to the UOR purchased BAe 146-200 and a very handy special forces C130K replacement.

Probably:D

Russia is much more generous in transferring technology & overhauls. otherwise how Iran can maintain Su-24MK/MIG-29 with related missile. Missiles like R-73 have shelf life. and RD-33 earlier versions is not known for long life.
http://www.uskowioniran.com/2011/09/fadaeeyan-e-harim-e-vellayat-iii-5.html

answer is much simpler than that. Generations of officers in Russian foreign and defence have pro-arab views from 1950s. and this limit cooperation with iran. and Iran may not have that much competent people left to absorb technology of modern Flanker.

Hmmm no I have to disagree, I think my analysis and reasons are more correct then yours. I do conceed that a more pro Arab view amongst the Russians has a degree of logic to it but Iran certainly has people capable of asorbing the technology.