Considering the delays in the first IAC. Should India seriously consider purchasing a third CVF directly from the UK. Which, could be followed by one or two more built in India.
Also, why not include Brazil as another partner??? As it also has a similar requirement. Such a partnership could help drive down the cost for all.
IAC 1 will be ready in 5 years time. Can UK build a new CVF in 5 years time (current two under construction are not for sale remember)? Would IN be able to finance an over-priced UK built vessel? Would a UK built CVF add to desperately needed Indian shipbuilding skills?
Indian Navy sending out an RFP to purchase 120 naval helos for about $6 billion.
Its more likely that the MoU between BEL & Dassault/Thales is a production/licensing agreement for producing parts of SPECTRA.
The Indian version of Rafale would of course be customized with some Indian tech (such as Indian Data Link) so that it is compatible with the rest of IAF.
Wow! Such a huge structure being moved by a single crane.
I wonder how much that island weighs.
Hows the unemployment rate? It was quite high when i used to live in Cape Town.
BTW: do you know of any plans to replace those CF-5 of Bots Air Force? Apparently, there was some news that the CF-5s could be replaced by F-16 :confused:
Please also post the aircraft model names along with the pics. Cant recognize some of those planes easily.
And thanks for the pics.
I think Botswana is also operating F-5 but dont know its vintage.
Arent RSA Cheetah’s still flying for some country?
Interesting but seems a bit optimistic:
– Indian Navy – yes, very probable if carrier plans proceed. Remember though that Rafale also comes in carrier capable version.
More Mig-29k would only be possible if (1) IAC 2 turns out to be STOBAR – which is highly unlikely. IN seems to be set for going in for CATOBAR.
or if (2) N-LCA fails to materialize.
Thats just pure speculation.
Russians have been helping India with nuke sub tech from much before Gorky deal was first thought of.
Lovely pics. Thank you for sharing them.
& Happy Birthday 🙂
But Korea does not have DSI tech…. 😀
I am glad BAE/EADS did not get the MMRCA contract. Dassault seems to be a far more reliable partner. IAF Mirages have had high serviceability rates and good Dassault spares support.
Manufacturing Details Stall Franco-Indian MMCRA Negotiations
The problem is that HAL production processes are antiquated. They really do not have the required technical knowledge, setup and skill to manufacture a modern western fighter.
That’s why Dassault is not keen on partnering with HAL.