I think the MRCA project also had one of its objectives as getting the latest techs (especially AESA and Engine technologies) something they wont get if they stick with the MKI and LCA.
The 1.5T payload allows for MIRV and decoys. Apparently decoys were tested in the latest tests. Along with the fact that the RVs allow aerodynamic manoeuvring during re-entry (flexible nozzle controls) and embodies proposition, navigation and control all the way to the target using a true inertial platform and advanced ground based beacon system Time Delay Of Arrival techniques for navigation would make it one of the most advanced missiles around.
With the US arresting a couple of Indians for trying to buy I-960 chips I think India will be very careful about taking US assurances of tech transfers at face value and may just go with the europeans.
Some hard data as per Russians at Aero India
– crew – 1 or 2
– take off wt 17500 kg normal
-maximum-23500kgs
-max landing wt – 16800 kgs
-max combat load 6500 kgs
-max speed at sea level-1400km/hr
-at high altitude- 2100km/hr
-max altitude- 17500 mtr
-max g load – 9.0
max range 2000 km
with 3 drop tanks-3000km
with 3 drop tanks +one mid air refueling – 6000 kms
Engine RD 33 MK or thrust vectoring RD 33 MKV WITH 9000Kgf
life engine – 4000 hrs
1st overhaul-1000 hrs
quadrapole redundant three axis digital fly by wire control
Zhuk AE muli mode active phased array radar detection range more than 140 km ( 250 km??) with upto 30+targets on track while scan mode operation
integrated in flight refueling system
OLS UEM forward looking optronic search and track system with IR TV Laser range finder cum target illumination channel
cockpit information management system
upper air intake eliminated
fuel capacity 1.5 times compared to mig 29
10 weapon hard points and may come with Kh 31 anti ship missile,RVV AE,Integrated Gsh 301 with ammo 150 rounds,KAB 500TV guided bombs,KH 35 anti ship missile,Kh 31P anti radiation missile,
three multifunctional colour LCDs and wide angle HUD,four MFDS in second cockpit if incorporated.
VK 100 turbine starter
MIL STD 1553 B compliant multiple data bus
Full HOTAS capability
OLS UEM forward looking IRST SYSTEM
OLS K 360 degree look down IRST
thrust vectoring plus/minus 20 degree all aspect (more than su-30 mki)
There are strong indications that the US is thinking of striking up a strong defence relationship with Vietnam as part of their efforts to contain China. The neocons would like Japan, India and Vietnam to form an alliance to contain China. Interesting times lie ahead.
Military Expenditure as a Percent of GDP as per http://www.cia.gov
India : 2.5%
USA : 3.3%
China : 4.3%
Pakistan : 4.9%
In the 1950s India had leaders like Nehru and Gandhi who refused to buy arms saying that it was a wasteful expenditure. Guess what happenend? When China occupied Tibet and India refused to go along they attacked India in 1961 and virually walked in unopposed since the Indian Army was not capable of defending its territory.