As far as I know the initial order is for around 300 tanks (around 6-7 regiments) and after that production of another variant (Al-Khalid II) will start – this will happen some where at the end of 2007 or mid 2008.

Now that you said it, it has jogged my memory a little. Although i cant remember the source or time, i remember reading something on the lines that development of Alkhalid-II has started and that it would be used to replace older tanks in PA.

Nick

Unless im mistaken the original contract was for 320 (?) engines from Ukraine to be used in these tanks. I have absolutely no knowledge of the future plans though. However, as Usman mentioned it most likely depends on the allocated budget as well as future requirements.

Regarding Pakistani defence exports, they may not be much in comaprison with countries with well established industries. However, they do justify Pak’s expenditure in R&D sector to some extent.

I think we should end this discussion as it may get out of hand-that would be shameful end for a constructive discussion-and finish with our concluding remarks. Its also hard to keep up with the pace 😀

Many contributors have made good comments in preceding posts. I agree with Nick that ‘India cannot and should not engage EVERY country. Its not economical nor is it required’ and others that India should pursue such a policy more strategically/selectively.

My opinion is that while India has made some efforts to block Pakistani defence deals in past, they do not seem to have a serious concerted policy regarding this issue. A good example is the aquisition of Erieye. After months of this finalising this deal, Indian authors have suddenly become to realise its imporatnce vis-a-vis India for some reason. In order to thwart Pakistani modernisation plans, India would need to adopt a definitive policy. However, this waying away from Pakistan could only be achieved (on a smaller scale) by offering major carrots to relevant countries. The day India stops from dealing with them, they would start courting anyone else in their own interest. Finally, i would like to cite Russian example. In spite of all the rumours, it seems that JF-17 equipped with RD-93 would be coming to Pakistan, which suggests that every country/company is entitled to look after their own interests.

Vikas, I dont understand you- are you saying this was done (offering a statement of fact), or are you asking an opinion?

A bit of both. Why do u think DCN has gone ahead with their decision to export Marlin (French govt approved it) to Pakistan. Could it be anything to do with India’s decision not to go for M2K-5?

If India for that matter tells its RFP providers that A) You should not supply the same thing to Pak or B) You should not deal with Pak or C) If you comply, here are the sweeteners or D) If you dont, this is what will happen.

No doubt India would and could apply such tactics in any way they feel like. I am not arguing with your basic point. However, as you have cited Denel’s examples, this could only be done for a relatively short period of time. These companies would be under no obligation to observed any conditions once India stops buying from them for whatever reason.

Where are these free and fair competition laws. In the latest DPP it quite clearly mentions that strategic concerns can influence decision making. And they do so in many countries. So if the law of the land or procurement procedure is clear in this respect, thats that.

‘Free and Fair Competition Laws’ were just an assumption. In a democratic country like India and after various scandals involving military purchases, i simply assumed that any deals would have to be transparent and come under ‘fair trading laws’. I can’t imagine any company to bow out of a deal with Pakistan under Indian pressure unless the latter has some guaranteed sweetners. OTOH would India be able to offer sweetners without transparent competition?

Nick

I agree with most of your above mentioned points. However, some of them require further elaboration.

A few years back, India stated the rule that whosoever supplied equipment to it, would not resupply the same elsewhere and that defence deals would now factor in strategic aspects, not just price (lowest bidder which meets the service requirements).

India signed a contract for 6 Scorpenes. Few months after DCN/France have offered Marlin to Pakistan with full ToT…may be something to do with Indian decision to walk away from M2K-5 deal. What should India do in this regard.

So “potential pressure points” do exist. The question is of course- what will India seek if it does apply the pressure. I would say that if its smart it would not just apply pressure, it might couple it with carats- ie Bofors may well swing the deal, Ericcson wouldnt get plastered & so on.

While such pressure points always exist, coupling them with carrots can send the wrong signal. Whereas US with her political/financial clout can exercise such options rather freely, India does not have such a standing as yet. Such tactics can send the wrong signal to other companies/countries and they may use certain tactics of their own. OTOH, if India does decides to apply such tactics only selectively, i can’t imagine it to be doing any good to her world wide reputation.

As you can see- its logical & I would be very surprised if anyone expected India to NOT do something similar. It will pursue its interests. And surely Erieyes in Pak hands are not amongst them?

Of course it is logical. But i think its also logical to assume that such a policy has the potential to backfire. Unless India keeps buying from Russians, who would stop Russia from selling to Pakistan? Same can be said of every other company/country.

Will you scream at this author too, old feller for speaking his mind?

Given that everyone has a right to speak his/her mind, no one should be screaming but asking legitimate questions. For example, the author says Our security set-up should have the spunk to tell Ericsson: “Cancel the defence deal that compromises with our security or pack up and leave.” Is this how capitalism in 21st century meant to work? As others have mentioned above, would the author then be willing to encourage his security set up to treat every other company that deals with Pakistan in a similar manner? And is this the bect way to go about it?

So much for PAF’s quest for an advanced Early Warning capability. With India’s stature in the world community and its massive influence on world markets, the Swedes will bow down to Indian pressure. PAF knew this all along, and thats why they were trying out the Y-8 a few days ago, just in case India decides to bring this up with the swedes.

Why would swedes bow down? Pressure/Sweetners? Please emphsise.