M2K-5 one weakness without any solution was the weak P53 engine of early 1980s vintage. and the french had nothing to replace it.

I agree it was the weakest contender.

methinks if we are going “MUNNA crazy” the F-16 Block52 with APG80 radar and internal targeting system is probably the most versatile and cost effective soln, followed by the superhornet. Rafale comes 3rd due to its smaller array of weapons and EF 4th. Gripen is too small.

if both are armed with APG80, would there be a big diff in cost and capability between the SH and F-16-52 ?

bear in mind IAF needs high numbers not a squadron or two of gold-plated platinum bullet “Carlo kopp” weapons. So high cost of Rafale and EF hurts them there vs F16 cost amortized across 1000s of airframes and F18 hundreds of planes ordered by USN.

If cost & money is problem, nothing beats Mig 35s. F16 c/d is totally out of question since paf have been flying those for 2 decades, SH is expensive & other than radar & avionics isnt much good, rafale & eurofighters are too costly. So only Migs remains.

Um… Err… $10bn? What are the Indians spending $10bn on? Could this be a hint at cooperation on the PAK-FA project or is that just my wishful thinking.

When a country’s defence stuff is 70% russian origin, upgrading or replacing is too from them. Not only they are good, economical but also local prod with ToT. For India which is currently tech deficit, its good deal. All the three services figure is inclded.

PAKFA is enigma. There is a rumour of IAF wanting lighter Migs, while RuAF with heavier Sukhoi. So anything on that is speculation. Have to wait for official statements from both the Govts.

The Indian Navy (IN) earlier in January sent a request for proposals (RfP) to eight overseas suppliers for the outright purchase of 16 helicopters in a deal valued at more than USD500 million. The aircraft are to replace a similar number of Sea King Mk 42s that are nearing retirement. An option to buy eight additional helicopters at a later date is included.

500M USD for 16 helicopters? 😮 Isnt that too much?

That would be the R-Darter.Politically, I think South Africa is moving closer to Brazil and India to get some form of non aligned bloc going.All three are relatively powerful medium to large sized economies with relatively high economic growth.India has already bought a few South African weapon systems (Casspir..artillery?).What would really be nice is if they would finish development of that ramjet powered long range BVR missile that Denel/Kentron were looking at.That would provide some seriously long range reach to any fighter operated by their airforces.

SA has done lot of defence projects or deals with pakistan, so untill & unless they decide on their dealings nothing much or substaintial could be achieved. We already have russian & french doing deals with our rivals, which needs to be corrected.

Thanks for correcting neptune. How many tankers do IN have, whats latest on a ship from USN for 40M USD, which we were going to buy.

Again. How many more threads? I think MODS need to consolidate all JSF tech trf threads, like aussie, poms, euro dude etc.

I believe the PAK-FA the heavier variant will not be sold initally either to India or China , It like selling the F-22 which US dosent intend to do as it helps them maintain the crtical technological edge and superiority

But the lighter Mig variant for which India seems keen to develop with Russia could be exported , India-Russia may jointly develop the light Mig-E and an Indanised Mig-E with different avionic suite made for India is what India may get. and will not be exported

But the Russian variant of Mig-E will be open for export and China could also buy it.

Its like India has a say to whome Brahmos could be exported , But India does not have a say on Yakhont export , so India could do little to prevent its export to China or any other country that Russia wishes too.

U are discounting the fact that yakhont was already produced, while brahmos was improved version of it, while if this 5 gen co-deveolpment is going ahead, then India will pay for half the R&D[minimum or even more]. And it will be better than any other [though not in yank league] than any 4-4.5 gen AC. So how will India let its arch rival get its hand on the jet.

Nice design :). What are its full specs?

Obvious ones are
1. Single engine
2. sub 20 tons
3 conventional ie 4-4.5 gen.