Let’s face it, the Luftwaffe should have gone F-8 for the fighter wings. As for the ground attack fighters, it could have been justified for just about anything. It could easily have been the Blackburn Buccaneer. Or the F-105. Or the Canberra.

Whatever it was it had to haul U.S. issued nukes in an emergency.

My guess is no, although it would make perfect sense to do that.

It would make sense considering most of the hard points are wing mounts and use of any payload creates asymmetrical weight distribution. A longer nose gear opens up some ground clearance. Mikoyan engineers are no strangers to low ground clearance.

Now if they are a part of UAC, why couldn’t they just match up to the Flanker hard points?

The Goshawk is only meant for CV training, not true carrier use. It has to be used in the calmest of sea states. Hardly could one consider it a true carrier operated aircraft.

The IAF will get what they pay for if HAL gets off its ass and plays ball. Dassault does not own all the IP involved in Rafale. That did not hinder the contract. Much of building an aircraft is component integration, which they can lead the IAF and HAL through.

It would be nice to see the contract get into motion. This constant drama is good for neither party.

http://en.mercopress.com/2015/01/16/prosecutor-nisman-confirms-case-against-cristina-fernandez-and-reveals-further-evidence

Argentina government colluding with Iran for desperately needed joint trade deals.

I wouldn’t rule out Argentina colluding with the Chinese in its desperation, too. I’m sure the US State Department is monitoring these developments.