SAP 14.

The ideal diversification strategy (in terms of reducing the consequences of adversaries devising successful counters to particular weapons) would be to have a choice of both platforms & weapons, but full interoperability.

The best scenario the IAF could come up with is if they make it a condition for the selected manufacturer to integrate the astra with the mrca.
Among the current aircraft the astra is planned to be integrated with the MKI , Tejas , Mig 29 and the Mirage as well.
Maybe the Astra MKII can be added to the fgfa.
In such a case , all aircraft will have atleast 2 missiles to choose from.

The one thing that I do not understand is why throw the Derby into this mix at all?Why not integrate the RVV with the LCA for the time being?If the upgraded Mirages are getting that instead of the Mica , then ofcourse it makes some sense.

If the RSAF got involved, are any of their Typhoons combat ready?

Surely after sending troops to suppress the revolution in Bahrain , they dont plan to ally themselves with the rebels do they 😉

Well said EE.

Now here is some news which proves that the ACMs hopes of resolving this by July are too optimistic.

Combat aircraft vendors still wait for setting up of price negotiation panel

Ahead of the price negotiations, a price negotiation committee has to be set up, which is a complex process,” an industry sources told FE on condition of anonymity. “So far, neither has the committee been set up, nor the qualifying vendors been informed. Therefore, there is no possibility of the negotiations starting by the month-end.”

“Those who have been shortlisted have to be given enough time to get ready for the talks and even those who have failed to make the cut would get point-wise explanations from the MoD for not qualifying.” 😀

An MoD Technical Oversight Committee (TOC) is currently looking at the ‘offset’ proposals, a requirement that the winning contractor source a certain amount of the value of each aircraft that India buys from Indian industry. Their proposals for transfer of technology are also being examined.
After this, the TOC will select three companies to go to the next stage of the bidding process.
The lowest bidder will be called by a contract negotiation committee to finalise the terms of the deal.

see my reply in blue
their tactics would likely be relying on standoff weapons, not fighters , to achieve the minimum degree of air superiority over TW and TW Strait as their doctrine required, and use its IADS network and AWACS+fighter screens to play mostly defense, not offensive. ,

Interesting.How would standoff weapons achieve air superiority?

In the long term IAF will have atleast 3 types of BVR missiles.
Astra (I and II) , something Russian , and something euro/american to go with the mrca.While it maybe possible to integrate the Astra with the PAKFA/FGFA , I dont think that would be too much of a priority.

All other types including Israeli ones will be either retired along with the carrying aircraft or replaced with Astra.
And I dont think standardising to only one type is a very good idea.Political climate is uncertain , it will be a disaster if the enemy lands up with proper EW /measures against one particular missile type.

* Pirates captured during a gunbattle with the Indian Navy onboard the INS Tabar as it makes its way to Mumbai where the pirates face further questioning.
* Image Credit: EPA

http://gulfnews.com/news/world/india/indian-navy-nabs-61-pirates-and-rescues-1.777011