IAF Chronicles - A side view of whats going on behind the closed doors in New Delhi

[Kshithij Sharma]

The problem is what we want from french for the MII program

We did ask USA first-they outrightly said NO. even did not allow Israel fully to come on board for this. And French allowed the network-centric technology flow with custom hardware from Israel and full coding by India. This changes the whole game.



The roles are too different.. They are complementary. Its virtually impossible for specific strike mission designation for LCA Mk1A. Even with the improvement, we might not have high success rates. MK2 even if it looks good cant replace or compete with Rafale. The tech specs difference is too huge so also the whole aircraft and capabilities.

uttam needs more time. its A2A role is almost stable but A2G is not.. its range atm is not optimum for a operational deployment. Will need another 3-5 years for maturity. I believe someone shared yesterday that we are looking for a flying testbed in the form of Do228 to test Uttam. We have to give time and then make it work for us. for example, a matured Uttam by say 2022+ timeline can be further upgraded using the IISc GaN foundry setup allowing perhaps a GaN version by say 2025+. Now that is a huge achievement and change the game. essentially this is the building block for AMCA.

AMCA is a long way away project. The reason is simple.. the parallel processing aspect for ADA and HAL does nt work. AMCA is a 2035+ era plane.. if we fast-track it, we will end up killing the project.

Like a GaN Uttam, the upgraded Kaveri with 72/110 Kn thrust is important for AMCA. Again the present Kaveri and then next upgrade will require time.. Implying prototype of AMCA rto fly with this engine can be possible after 2025+ only,

Lastly, i may be harsh but anything which is a paper plane wont count much when it comes to real issues.. its the same reason i don't count Super Sukhois as well bcz its on paper and what we have is just MKI. Its a similar notion for Mk1A as well.. Lots of talks but almost negligible accountability by HAL which can inspire confidence that thing will be on track and on time.

I can defend HAl too as i understand issues that they faced.. But they knew these issues long time back. But chose to ignore it. Their project management skills have issues.. Maybe over time and with the new generation, folks moving from middle to upper tier may change their perceptions.

The MK2 is further ahead. Lets first wait and see HAL deliver Mk1A. by 2020. That itself will help us understand things better.

Isn't rafale coming by 2022-23? So, additional orders will only come later which is definitely not soon. By 2024 MK2 will be ready and may be GaN radar would have matured too.

Since, the urgent requirement is not exactly urgent but has delayed delivery, I don't actually see benefits.

Anyways, let us wait and watch.

 

[Milspec]

I feel a

 

[Falcon]

Sir.

Ok, I am sorry. I mistook CVRDE with GTRE. CVRDE was founded in 1978.

Do not worry, this is just one of the many instances where you have been wrong and posted without doing your homework. It is normal with people who wish to present a facade of expertise in areas where they are, at best, at the start point of the parabolic path known as the 'learning curve'.

The difference between being regarded a knowledgeable and learned member and being tagged an arm chair general is the ability to identify and accept what you do not know. That is, somehow, missing here.

1977-1980 was Janata government. Indira was in power during 1980 February to 1984.
Carter was in power from 1977 January to 1981 january 20. The election had taken place in November and Carter had lost.

So, you are saying that Between February and october 1981, Indira and Carter discussed about F404? 7months time? F404 had its first run in 1978 and was getting finalised (eventually in 1984-85). Ok, good going.

Your ignorance, coupled with downright, forgive me for saying this, stupidity, is infuriating in the mildest of terms. Are you so naive to not have studied the evolution of Indo-US relationships in 70s, especially in the run up to the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan?

A homework assignment for you, if you are willing to learn and not be you:

1. What was the primary foreign policy imperative of the Ford Administration in a post Bangladesh and Simla Agreement scenario?
2. What impact did the discovery of the fact that Mr. AQ Khan had stolen blueprints of a gas centrifuge for uranium enrichment facility in early 70s, have on the imperatives, especially in the light of the PNE (Peaceful Nuclear Explosion) conducted by India in 1974?
3. What effect did the point 1 and 2 have on the US' push for signature of NPT on India and as an extension on Pakistan?
4. What was the military relationship between USSR and India and how did that have an impact on US' view over India?
5. What impact did the 1979 intervention in Afghanistan by USSR have on this US policy directive on it's diplomatic efforts with respect to India?


Try and answer them, logically and after due diligence. Do not give half baked and poorly researched answer. We may yet make a fine analyst of you, provided you are willing to forgo your natural urge to make a complete idiot of yourself?

@bonobashi It is after a long time that I have taken an interest in posting without any considerations, preferring to hover in a search for a veritable discussion. I am sure that it may remain entertaining for you to examine the answers here.

 

[smestarz]

It is a nice post, but might request you to be on topic, If you do desire, you can please open another thread and discuss this please.
this might actually take the thread to some other discussion,

Thank you

Sir.



Do not worry, this is just one of the many instances where you have been wrong and posted without doing your homework. It is normal with people who wish to present a facade of expertise in areas where they are, at best, at the start point of the parabolic path known as the 'learning curve'.

The difference between being regarded a knowledgeable and learned member and being tagged an arm chair general is the ability to identify and accept what you do not know. That is, somehow, missing here.




Your ignorance, coupled with downright, forgive me for saying this, stupidity, is infuriating in the mildest of terms. Are you so naive to not have studied the evolution of Indo-US relationships in 70s, especially in the run up to the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan?

A homework assignment for you, if you are willing to learn and not be you:

1. What was the primary foreign policy imperative of the Ford Administration in a post Bangladesh and Simla Agreement scenario?
2. What impact did the discovery of the fact that Mr. AQ Khan had stolen blueprints of a gas centrifuge for uranium enrichment facility in early 70s, have on the imperatives, especially in the light of the PNE (Peaceful Nuclear Explosion) conducted by India in 1974?
3. What effect did the point 1 and 2 have on the US' push for signature of NPT on India and as an extension on Pakistan?
4. What was the military relationship between USSR and India and how did that have an impact on US' view over India?
5. What impact did the 1979 intervention in Afghanistan by USSR have on this US policy directive on it's diplomatic efforts with respect to India?


Try and answer them, logically and after due diligence. Do not give half baked and poorly researched answer. We may yet make a fine analyst of you, provided you are willing to forgo your natural urge to make a complete idiot of yourself?

@bonobashi It is after a long time that I have taken an interest in posting without any considerations, preferring to hover in a search for a veritable discussion. I am sure that it may remain entertaining for you to examine the answers here.

 

[Falcon]

Fully Disagree.

Firstly, Calcium is just a symptom not the root cause.

Secondly, Calcium deposits in the joints and the kidneys could be reasonably treated. It is the calcium deposits in brain that causes Dementia and Alzheimer's. And the main culprit for these calcium deposits is none other than sugar. Yes the same sugar being consumed by the scientific community directly as table sugar (Sweets) or indirectly as carbohydrates (Rice & Roti) has been resulting in brain fog and dementia. GoI should ensure that the scientific community is properly fed with nutritious food (Vegetables, Protein & Fat) to ensure that these bright minds could deliver projects on time and budget.

Dear Sir.

I am like a SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer), which keeps absorbing (primarily liquid). I resisted, and failed, an urge to check you here.

Calcium remains a Cation. Do not change the definition of Symptom. As for the rest, Calcium metabolism has no direct correlation with Carbohydrates as you have portrayed. Indirect - yes, with high glucose levels having an effect on the kidneys.

I was being more specific and posting on a specific calcium metabolism correlation.

 

[bonobashi]

Sir.



Do not worry, this is just one of the many instances where you have been wrong and posted without doing your homework. It is normal with people who wish to present a facade of expertise in areas where they are, at best, at the start point of the parabolic path known as the 'learning curve'.

The difference between being regarded a knowledgeable and learned member and being tagged an arm chair general is the ability to identify and accept what you do not know. That is, somehow, missing here.




Your ignorance, coupled with downright, forgive me for saying this, stupidity, is infuriating in the mildest of terms. Are you so naive to not have studied the evolution of Indo-US relationships in 70s, especially in the run up to the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan?

A homework assignment for you, if you are willing to learn and not be you:

1. What was the primary foreign policy imperative of the Ford Administration in a post Bangladesh and Simla Agreement scenario?
2. What impact did the discovery of the fact that Mr. AQ Khan had stolen blueprints of a gas centrifuge for uranium enrichment facility in early 70s, have on the imperatives, especially in the light of the PNE (Peaceful Nuclear Explosion) conducted by India in 1974?
3. What effect did the point 1 and 2 have on the US' push for signature of NPT on India and as an extension on Pakistan?
4. What was the military relationship between USSR and India and how did that have an impact on US' view over India?
5. What impact did the 1979 intervention in Afghanistan by USSR have on this US policy directive on it's diplomatic efforts with respect to India?


Try and answer them, logically and after due diligence. Do not give half baked and poorly researched answer. We may yet make a fine analyst of you, provided you are willing to forgo your natural urge to make a complete idiot of yourself?

@bonobashi It is after a long time that I have taken an interest in posting without any considerations, preferring to hover in a search for a veritable discussion. I am sure that it may remain entertaining for you to examine the answers here.

I am seriously terrified because someone else whom I depended upon, senior chap called @Hellfire, has just vanished. What the hell is going on?

Back on topic: this exchange was delicious.

 

[Falcon]

It is a nice post, but might request you to be on topic, If you do desire, you can please open another thread and discuss this please.
this might actually take the thread to some other discussion,

Thank you

Dear Sir.

The failure at your end to see the relevance of my post to the thread is understandable., however, I would beg your consideration of the relevance of the questions I drafted towards the end, the remaining is not meant for you.

Most tend to overlook these decisions as being a part of wider geostrategic considerations as opposed to simply being an issue of induction of weapons platforms.

The relevance remains, as in my opinion here, you can not have separation and compartmentalisation of LCA from this thread, which, is the case here.

If you find my post to be off topic, request report the same.

Thank you for your consideration.

 

[Falcon]

Please provide source of this assumption ?

Dear Sir.

For your reference. My post has been based on facts as documented in public domain. I have taken the trouble to highlight the same below.

Fact check for you:

Project LCA was conceived in 1981 (B.N. Raghunandan, Charlie Oommen, R.K. Sullerey in Air Breathing Engines & Aerospace Propulsion: Proceedings of NCABE 2004) and GTRE expressed it's confidence in provision of an engine for the project in 1981 itself. At the time, GTRE was already ready with configured experimental engines GTX-37-14U and GTX-37-14UB. Based on this, they promised delivery of the engine for LCA, which, once the ASQR was issued in 1985, was found to be untenable. GTRE concluded that 'there was no engine in the world which could match the specification required in the ASQR' and the work had to be started on the Kaveri from scratch. The development started in first quarter of 1989 and your claim as above is - hogwash.

Please do note that around this time India was being actively wooed by USA in the backdrop of USSR's Afghanistan intervention. In early 1980s, US offered GE 404 for India's LCA project and the same was taken up (please note that this engine was ready by 1978 and was to power the F-18s entering US forces in 80s).

It would please you to note that the GTRE was tasked with finding an engine for the aircraft and had failed to mention about the suitability of GE-404 (something which they had imported by 1987 or thereabouts).

It shall also please you to note that the HAL had already prepared the designs for a follow on of Marut by 1975, which could not take to skies due to non-availability of a suitable engine.

At the time, US was not willing to offer an engine to India. The situation was to change with Soviet intervention into Afghanistan. Also it shall please you to note that the Indian scientists were already well enroute to assimilating critical know how in Carbon Composites, for this program.

Your subsequent post is a plethora of refuse that has no value either.

Kabini C1 and C2 underwent ground test from 1995 to 1998 (350 hours) and 45 hours of Altitude tests. Satisfied by the performance of C1 and C2, and with inputs from the tests, GTRE was confident of Kaveri. (K1, K2 and K3) Tests from same, both ground and altitude, allowed the GTRE the confidence to fabricate the graded weight engine K4. (K4, K5, K8 and K9 developed earlier than K6 and K7). K5 underwent further 56 hours of Exploratory Altitude Testing for different altitudes and mach numbers. Based on successful tests of K5, further refinement in weight was undertaken. Time was taken by MIDHANI and DMRL to match up to specifications required for the alloys needed. The delay was more due to ecosystem being created.

All this was occurring as years went by and the ASQR underwent changes with passage of time.

It is also interesting to note that by 1993, according to CAG report of 2015, 54 permanent waivers of critical types were obtained by ADA-HAL-GTRE over the original ASQR. IAF was willing to dilution of ASQR as long as the product came on time (1990s).

How much fund do you want? 1 lakh crores?Do quantify the same. As for test bed, ADA-HAL-GTRE undertook the responsibility to create an ecosystem. May I enquire as to how two engines as mentioned earlier by me, were ready by 1981?

Assumption is, you shall find, at your end sir.

 

[Falcon]

@Ashwin @Aashish

Sirs.

@smestarz has been kind enough to point out that at times, my post may be off topic. My primary contention remains, in posting seemingly off topic posts, that there is a serious overlap over acquisitions of aircrafts for our air force and that, at times, there shall be overlapping of posts.

An example is of my answering the member @zebra7 here, whereas he had asked me to reference a contention I had made of GTRE's claims by 1981 to have an engine for LCA ready for the project.

This shall result in cross posting and re-posting same information over and over. Your indulgence in the matter may kindly be granted.

Thanks

 

[Kshithij Sharma]

Sir.



Do not worry, this is just one of the many instances where you have been wrong and posted without doing your homework. It is normal with people who wish to present a facade of expertise in areas where they are, at best, at the start point of the parabolic path known as the 'learning curve'.

The difference between being regarded a knowledgeable and learned member and being tagged an arm chair general is the ability to identify and accept what you do not know. That is, somehow, missing here.

Isn't this applicable to you? You seem to be ranting meaninglessly. First, answer my question on Carter Indira as you said before. I also want to know.

Your ignorance, coupled with downright, forgive me for saying this, stupidity, is infuriating in the mildest of terms. Are you so naive to not have studied the evolution of Indo-US relationships in 70s, especially in the run up to the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan?

A homework assignment for you, if you are willing to learn and not be you:

1. What was the primary foreign policy imperative of the Ford Administration in a post Bangladesh and Simla Agreement scenario?
2. What impact did the discovery of the fact that Mr. AQ Khan had stolen blueprints of a gas centrifuge for uranium enrichment facility in early 70s, have on the imperatives, especially in the light of the PNE (Peaceful Nuclear Explosion) conducted by India in 1974?
3. What effect did the point 1 and 2 have on the US' push for signature of NPT on India and as an extension on Pakistan?
4. What was the military relationship between USSR and India and how did that have an impact on US' view over India?
5. What impact did the 1979 intervention in Afghanistan by USSR have on this US policy directive on it's diplomatic efforts with respect to India?


Try and answer them, logically and after due diligence. Do not give half baked and poorly researched answer. We may yet make a fine analyst of you, provided you are willing to forgo your natural urge to make a complete idiot of yourself?

@bonobashi It is after a long time that I have taken an interest in posting without any considerations, preferring to hover in a search for a veritable discussion. I am sure that it may remain entertaining for you to examine the answers here.

Your insanity coupled with your low IQ, forgive me for saying this, retardation, is extremely annoying to be mild. You are one of those who thinks he is know all, vents out gas and steam but is unable to put forth even a single meaningful point.

First, tell me how these questions are even relevant here? Just because you have studied about this doesn't mean you simply show off with your knowledge. I was speaking of Carter-Indira as a response to you speaking of F404 engine ToT between the two. When you are unable to answer the one particular question asked, you come up with a series of irrelevant questions which makes no logical sense. If I answer them, I am sure you will come up with more bullshit questions and continue doing so.

Let us go back to what you started - Carter-Indira and F404 engine.

Try and answer them, logically and after due diligence. Do not give half baked and poorly researched answer. We may yet make a fine analyst of you, provided you are willing to forgo your natural urge to make a complete idiot of yourself?

 

[Falcon]

I am seriously terrified because someone else whom I depended upon, senior chap called @Hellfire, has just vanished. What the hell is going on?

Back on topic: this exchange was delicious.

Sir.

He had mentioned engagements on a thread somewhere ( I do not recall exactly) and I am of the assumption that the same is the reason for his 'vanishing' for now.

In the meanwhile, our dear mods @Ashwin @Aashish and @nair (who knows of me since my days hovering in the forum we do not name here), have been kind enough to allow me to post here, encouraging me to come out of my 'hovering' and be more active.

It is indeed refreshing to be able to post without constraints.

 

[_Anonymous_]

Isn't this applicable to you? You seem to be ranting meaninglessly. First, answer my question on Carter Indira as you said before. I also want to know.



Your insanity coupled with your low IQ, forgive me for saying this, retardation, is extremely annoying to be mild. You are one of those who thinks he is know all, vents out gas and steam but is unable to put forth even a single meaningful point.

First, tell me how these questions are even relevant here? Just because you have studied about this doesn't mean you simply show off with your knowledge. I was speaking of Carter-Indira as a response to you speaking of F404 engine ToT between the two. When you are unable to answer the one particular question asked, you come up with a series of irrelevant questions which makes no logical sense. If I answer them, I am sure you will come up with more bullshit questions and continue doing so.

Let us go back to what you started - Carter-Indira and F404 engine.

Try and answer them, logically and after due diligence. Do not give half baked and poorly researched answer. We may yet make a fine analyst of you, provided you are willing to forgo your natural urge to make a complete idiot of yourself?

I've often been an advocate of the theory that stupidity should invite capital punishment . Think of it this way , there'd be no Hitler but then our independence would be delayed and in all likelihood would have been a bloody affair too. What're your views on this subject ?

 

[Kshithij Sharma]

I've often been an advocate of the theory that stupidity should invite capital punishment . Think of it this way , there'd be no Hitler but then our independence would be delayed and in all likelihood would be a bloody affair too. What're your views on this subject ?

How is this relevant here? India would have won independence had there been no ahimsa and genocidal attitude. There is a reason why Turkey was liberated (by keeping a traitor Atatutrk) instead of being a colony after WW1. If Indians were genocidal, British would have run away long time back. It is actually the lack of bloodshed that makes India weak. The only way to measure righteousness is by might.

But, I don't see a reason for asking this question here at all. We are discussing IAF here

 

[_Anonymous_]

How is this relevant here? India would have won independence had there been no ahimsa and genocidal attitude. There is a reason why Turkey was liberated (by keeping a traitor Atatutrk) instead of being a colony after WW1. If Indians were genocidal, British would have run away long time back. It is actually the lack of bloodshed that makes India weak. The only way to measure righteousness is by might.

But, I don't see a reason for asking this question here at all. We are discussing IAF here

You're right . Put another way if stupid people could see their stupidity they wouldn't be stupid .

 

[Falcon]

Isn't this applicable to you? You seem to be ranting meaninglessly. First, answer my question on Carter Indira as you said before. I also want to know.



Your insanity coupled with your low IQ, forgive me for saying this, retardation, is extremely annoying to be mild. You are one of those who thinks he is know all, vents out gas and steam but is unable to put forth even a single meaningful point.

First, tell me how these questions are even relevant here? Just because you have studied about this doesn't mean you simply show off with your knowledge. I was speaking of Carter-Indira as a response to you speaking of F404 engine ToT between the two. When you are unable to answer the one particular question asked, you come up with a series of irrelevant questions which makes no logical sense. If I answer them, I am sure you will come up with more bullshit questions and continue doing so.

Let us go back to what you started - Carter-Indira and F404 engine.

Try and answer them, logically and after due diligence. Do not give half baked and poorly researched answer. We may yet make a fine analyst of you, provided you are willing to forgo your natural urge to make a complete idiot of yourself?

Sir.

I understand the urge to make a fool of your self is inherent in your self.

If you had bothered to understand how the governments of nation states work, you will understand that every government of a nation state, irrespective of political affiliation, has a basic or core agenda considered 'core national interests'.

But being you, you have to prove to be a comedian who can not think beyond the tip of the nose. I gave you a very strong hint in those questions I posed, in the hope that as you ponder over the questions, you will realize that US was shoring up its' own interests well by mid-70s on two fronts:

a. Preventing an ally from acquiring nuclear weapons, a policy right from the days of France and it's pursuit of Nuclear Weapons.
b. i) Of 'weaning' India away from Soviet sphere of influence in light of India emerging as a comprehensive military force in aftermath of 1971.
ii) Of influencing India to cap it's nuclear program, thereby affecting limitation of Nuclear weapons to P-5 by incentives of technology and weapons to shore up it's capabilities vis-vis Pakistan and China.


All these were cornerstones of US policy in Indian sub-continent in the 70s, and let me speak stupid in a language you understand: parleys at bureaucratic level were already underway since Ford administration, when these imperatives were made.

Jimmy Carter: Visit of Prime Minister Desai of India Joint Communiquй.

Are you aware that by 1980 US was pitching tanks to India under MBT-2000 project (the forerunner of Project Arjun)? It is widely speculated that this was the M-1?


Maybe, it shall do you good to read up and stop being you.

Good Day.

 

[Kshithij Sharma]

Sir.

I understand the urge to make a fool of your self is inherent in your self.

If you had bothered to understand how the governments of nation states work, you will understand that every government of a nation state, irrespective of political affiliation, has a basic or core agenda considered 'core national interests'.

But being you, you have to prove to be a comedian who can not think beyond the tip of the nose. I gave you a very strong hint in those questions I posed, in the hope that as you ponder over the questions, you will realize that US was shoring up its' own interests well by mid-70s on two fronts:

a. Preventing an ally from acquiring nuclear weapons, a policy right from the days of France and it's pursuit of Nuclear Weapons.
b. i) Of 'weaning' India away from Soviet sphere of influence in light of India emerging as a comprehensive military force in aftermath of 1971.
ii) Of influencing India to cap it's nuclear program, thereby affecting limitation of Nuclear weapons to P-5 by incentives of technology and weapons to shore up it's capabilities vis-vis Pakistan and China.


All these were cornerstones of US policy in Indian sub-continent in the 70s, and let me speak stupidin a language you understand: parleys at bureaucratic level were already underway since Ford administration, when these imperatives were made.

Jimmy Carter: Visit of Prime Minister Desai of India Joint Communiquй.

Are you aware that by 1980 US was pitching tanks to India under MBT-2000 project (the forerunner of Project Arjun)? It is widely speculated that this was the M-1?


Maybe, it shall do you good to read up and stop being you.



Good Day.

You are being retarded without giving proper meaningful reasoning.

By 1978, Afghanistan war was under way. It would be foolish to arm India against Pakista in such a scenario. Also, USA allowed Pakistan to continue its nuclear research by not putting any curbs for gaining support during this time.

It is good to read up, but bad to just vomit whatever you have read at random places. You started a discussion of Carter-Indira for F404, I gave facts to dispute you and you keep rambling nonsense over nonsense.

Now, since you are a know all, I wanted you to explain your own words about Indira-Carter and F404 ToT. But, alas you are running away everytime. Just substantiate your own goddamn words. Let us see how much did you read up before vomiting your insanity knowledge


PS: I agree that replying to your bullshit irrelevant and inconsistent comments is akin to making a fool of myself.

 

[Kshithij Sharma]

Kshitij. Can't you understand English? Is policy run by politicians? Simple English for you: US was trying to get India away from Soviets in the post 1971 war situation and was trying to curb Pakistan from acquiring nuclear weapons. That was a policy followed aggressively by US. In 1978, ban on technology transfer for Jaguar aircrafts for India, was relaxed by US. By 1980, West German, a key US and NATO ally was fully immersed in Project MBT 2000.

I had posted the Ustinov mission elsewhere. By the time Indira Gandhi came, the framework for increase Indo-US cooperation was already in place, and gained momentum under her as she was apprehensive about the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. Carter or no Carter, the Foreign Policy thrust was still towards getting India into US camp.


Stop trolling and derailing.

Shastri was assassinated by USSR and Indira was installed. In 1977, the emergency and Janata Dal was actually funded by CIA. So, the 1977 govt was more closer to USA than Indira. In 1977, Communist parties were in support of Indira at the behest of USSR and in 1980 too, Indira was already back. The Khalistan movement was also taking place with the tacit support of USA (UK, USA, Canada were the hubs). Afghan war also meat that USA had to side with Pakistan then.

Against all this, this man stated that Indira-Carter had negotiation for F404 technology transfer. What is worse? F404 was not even completed during Carter term. It had its first run in late 1978 and was yet to be perfected (1984 completion date). So, I am asking for explanation.

When you are unable to answer genuine question, the person asking questions becomes a troll? Only those who subscribe to your propaganda becomes genuine?

 

[Grevion]

It would be a mistake to think Modi is making a blunder. Modi is not making any blunder. Everything is moving as per the plan.



Modi does not need to explain anything. Both IAF & BJP are anti-Russia. The only difference between them is IAF prefers French ones over US ones. Neither the IAF nor BJP are interested in Indian or Russian equipment. IAF would any day pick F-16s over LCA. I expect IAF to strongly come out and defend the decision on F-16s quoting falling numbers should Congress try to politicise the deal like they did in case of RAFALEs. The recently released RFP for Teja MK1A would act their defence too as IAF would claim they have shown the intent for Indian products but HAL could not deliver and hence the need.

How will they justify killing decades of hardwork of ADA and defence PSUs when HAL are almost ready to churn out LCA in the required nos. Homegrown project cannot be discarded so easily and govt will have to buy a few units of mk1a which will then negate the requirements of a foreign SEF at all. F-16 won't come before atleast 3 years after signing of the deal by then LCA line will be up and running. I cannot possibly understand why IAF would pick 175 million a pop f-sola and add on to its already burdened logistics problems..