a few yrs back M55 Mystic was touted as the manned replacement for IAFs retiring Mig25R.

nothing came of it though I feel its necessary – nobody has 100 satellites to guarantee real time tactical imagery.

the ropes that tie the good doctor to reality have always been thin…. 😀

the 404 is a late 1970s technology engine, though GE is bringing out a new incarnation using elements of 414 named IN20 for india. so it wont be anywhere leading edge in fuel consumption.

they should get a ESSM or VLMICA subcanister into the sylver cells and tri- or quad-pack the puppies in for inner layer defence. Aster15 being a shorter Aster30 fills the entire cell…not good. And why so less number of Silos for a Burke sized ship ? Burke has 90 cells.

It will have to go inside the littorals to protect invasion forces from land based air attack and in that context, a few harpoons wouldnt be amiss either…as of now if a FAC closes in but stays outside Ciws cannon range, there’s only the big old main gun to beat at the problem…

and they surely need two helos – 1 helo means long periods with no coverage at all.
can they fit 2 NH90 equipped with harpoons ? ASW can be left to the smaller ships…if thats the reason for Merlin.

A few light torpedoes and anti torpedo bomb launchers would be useful to get rid of attacks by SSKs lurking in shallow waters.

48 aster30 and almost nothing else is great to beat off Backfire attack – which isnt happening. or to fight the PRCs MKK horde :diablo:

they have tested the rocket motor in captive tests on ground in 2003 or 2004. flight tests without sensors I havent heard of yet. I have seen a photo it looks like mica with midbody fins.

the article is wrong about the 1999 date.

http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MISSILES/Astra.html

for deep ocean work:

1. Seawulf (bow bow)
2. Virginia
3. Akula2 (replace when Sverodbinsk when available)
4. Barracuda (not very clear yet)
5. Astute (building…)
6. 688-I
7. Trafalgar
8. U212 with fuel-cell AIP
9. Scorpene
10. Collins

for littoral warfare
1. U212
2. Scorpene
3. Amethyste (if it gets exocet mm40)
4. Amur(the largest version with vl-brahmos)
4. Kilo (improved model with tube launched klub)
5. Agosta90B
……

the wildcard are the JMSDF subs of whose sensor fit and real abilities, nothing much seems to be public.