Engine that is designed to perform optimally under various speed zones(subsonic/transonic/supersonic) and various altitudes with very high fuel efficiency. Read it's the next cutting edge engine tech.
It is a next-generation engine- 14 years in the making..
Further reading The Air Force is eyeing groundbreaking new engines for the F-35
This engine will allow the F-35 to unquestioningly surpass the Rafale in pretty much any mission involving the subsonic regime.
Looking at the 2030-2070+ window (2030 for MRFA winner to start joining IAF squadrons & stay for 40+ years which is the designed life of a fighter like F-35)- why is IAF not entering the F-35A Lightening II into MRFA? If there are real qualms about dependence on US- that boat sailed long ago as we already are dependent on them by way of GE's F-404/414 EPE & beyond for 100% of our desi fleet.
In 2070 with a mix of AMCA I & II, Tejas Mk2, Rafale(?), ORCA(?) in IAF & TEDBF in IN (besides unmanned fleet)- won't the F-35A & C for IAF and IN bought as part of MRFA & MRCBF respectively be most relevant & provide the best edge against our adversaries from today all the way up to 2070?
If this question has been already answered, please point me in the right direction.
MRFA and MRCBF are for 4.5th gen specifically because 5th gen airframes and engines are still unproven. Both services are choosing next gen avionics over next gen airframes and engines.
China Not Repeating Nazi Germany's Mistake; USAF General Says 'No Nation In Their Right Mind' Would Want To Fight Beijing
A senior US Air Force (USAF) general recently highlighted the shortage of sophisticated fighters needed to deter China, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, urging the Pentagon to keep upgrading its fighter aircraft.
eurasiantimes.com
The F-35 is still 6+ years away from getting up to spec. Even though its future possibilities are greater compared to the Rafale or SH, a lot of capabilities taken for granted on the latter jets, like advanced active and passive EW, are still locked on the F-35 until B4 is completed. Stealth drones will make up for the difference anyway.
As per both the Americans and French, the SH and Rafale will be relevant until 2050, so that's good enough for us. A different jet is necessary beyond that, even the F-35 won't help.
There are industrial and customisation requirements in both programs that won't be delivered with the F-35, so we can't risk turning either program into a white elephant.
I hope to see an F-35 vs Su-57M contest for the IAF in the form of a small silver bullet fleet and F-35Bs for the IN's future assault ships, but they could both end up only in dreams.
The GE engines come with full ToT, so there's no possibility of future dependency on the US.
There's nothing indigenous about all these countries Fighter jet. TF-X is BAE Product.
No one is asking about the critical technology update status, so ADA and HAL should provide some information regarding the updated timeline of the LCA MK2 and AMCA project status. The MOD must be reminded that this will improve the government's image and help it win the election.
You're overestimating the technical acumen of the average voter.
Do u really think illiterate and poor voter care about aeronautical programs lol.
100 rupees electricity discount and 30 rupees Petrol discount.
Doesn't matter where the money comes from.
I don't think we should have any reason to doubt the Indian people's understanding of the situation in the world now, at a time when mobile and internet penetration is growing daily and people will accept money from both parties during election time, but they will only vote for the party they have already decided to support. I agree that a defense project is not a significant public relations exercise when compared to efforts for infrastructure projects like the Chenab Bridge, the bullet train, or government jobs.
And do you think literate rich people care ? These defence forums around the world are miniscule population . Does american weapon development success / failure decide american election or abortion rights ?
The ideal situation i see for india of future is creation of profit seeking entities in defence ecosystem with deep interest in export market . This ll ensure efficiency as well as quality .
I was talking about defense manufacturing as election PR because, in Indian politics, PR includes inaugurating a new bridge, a new Vande Bharat train, or riding a K9 vajra, which you wouldn't see in Western countries.
There are more PR gains to be had by buying 36 rafales every 5 years than buying 126 mrfa at once.
PR can also be gained from botched projects as long as you have a section of the media on your side.