I totally agree! We can’t seem to maintain the RADAR India gave for free. Imagine trying to maintain twin engined turbofan A/Cs. Not to mention the spares and all. Yeah, the Kfir upgraded with Elta EL/M-2032 seem reasonable, but how much does this thing cost?

I cant give you exact numbers,but EL/M 2032 upgrades to Kfirs SLAF already operate gives you nice capabilities for not so much cost methinks.Although secondhand Mig29s wouldnt cost that much either,but then Mig would exact their profit paisa by paisa when time comes to supply the spares for those migs later.Plus add training,logistics and maintenance for a new type of a/c.

Hmmm ok. Lets ignore the fact that the Typhoons are nose-cold, vectored in out-of-envelope of the MKI’s radar and are sharing targetting data via discrete TDL such that the first indication that the MKI’s have that they are actually under attack is seeker light-up on the inbound AIM-120’s.

Interchange the word MKI with Typhoon and we could very well have that scenario also.
Oh..and replace the “AIM-120’s” with “R-VVAE’s”

Ho….scooter what do you really want the IAF to do?

1.Do you want it to go for F-18s…..

More the reason for India to purchase Super Hornets until the PAK-FA comes on line. Which, will be 15-20 years from now………..If, the PAK-FA runs in to difficulties they could go with the International F-35.:D

2.Or do you want the Rafale or Typhoon?

Really, from my point of view……….India should forget both the Russians and the Americans. Instead choose either the Rafale or Typhoon. Further, India could jointly build and design its own 5th Generation Fighter with a European Partner down the road. Just think of the possibilities………shared technology, export sales, etc. etc.

3.Or do you want more MKIs?

Well, India will have to make a change at some point? That said, she will get loose many olders types in the near future. (i.e. Sea Harriers, Mig-21’s, and Mig-27’s) Personally, for the MMRCA I would drop the Medium part and order more of the larger SU-30MKI‘s or live with yet another type and purchase the very capable American Super Hornet.

Boy..you are as confused as the Indian MOD.:p

:diablo:

Please tell me this is not real:

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2007/05/sri-lanka-fulcrums-lions-to-battle-tigers/index.php

Talk about “trying to crack a nut with a sledgehammer”!! And I have a bad feeling that the “nut” will still have the last laugh! 😡 😡

Mig-29SMTs?For air-superiority against ZlinZ-143? Dont tell me they are coming with R-77s!:eek:

Hmm..though I think they are comparatively cheap,but they do not fill the bill IMO.Better would have been predominantly ground attack aircrafts with some air to air capability.Kfir with 2032 upgrade is a good choice.I wonder if the IAF could have gifted some of its retired Mig23 MFs along with some R-60s and R-23s.

Anycase,its better to be over prepared than under-prepared.Never know when the LTTE starts operating air superiority fighters themselves:eek: .

The next thing the SLAF have to do is to stop moles from getting into those Mig-29 hangars.

Bet No.1:I bet this thread will have to continue for a loooooong time before any decision is made.:rolleyes:

Bet no. 2:Rafale.

Indian defence minister said that? 😮 OK, this is a new twist. We were under the impression that the damage was minimal. As reported from the local media (Govt. & private), a big water pump was damaged, some small structures, plus one storage hut was a blaze but doused very quickly. This should be true since if the storage went off we will still be seeing the flames several KM away (There was a situation like this 10 years back but much, much worse results. I could see the flames from my house 😮 ). But, the Indian defence minister said that extensive damage? Hmmm….. OK! Now I am officially confused.

Oh, I’ll try to get the other side of the bank note 😀

Naah..its the DDM(dorky defence media)..Indian Def Min said ..India is concerned….rest was DDM.

How do you tackle a small (non-turbojet) aircraft flying low at night with a shoe-string budget? (Actually, more like Nylon Thread) Be realistic! 😀 No Tunguska-M1, Pantsyr S1, SPYDER, SLAMRAAM/CLAWS etc, etc. 😀

Searchlights and flakguns+MANPADS?

………………………………………

And on recent news:India defence minister saying:

On the extensive damage caused by bombing on the oil storage tank, partly owned by Indian Oil and Colombo, by LTTE, he said India was concerned over the situation in Sri Lanka.