IAF Chronicles - A side view of whats going on behind the closed doors in New Delhi
- Thread starter Aashish
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We signed a GTG back in 2007 and a PDP in 2010. The FGFA has only been delayed, or it's on the backburner, because the IAF doesn't have money.
So the project is in limbo not because IAF doesn't like it but because the IAF can't put the $3.7B necessary on the table. HAL has offered to fund it from their own pockets.
Both aircraft require major structural tweaks before they can be operated from the carriers which IN is not going to pay for. Nor will they accept major modifications to the carrier either. And modifications of the Aviation Facilities Complex which is entirely Russian is a whole 'nother story.
Either Rafale or SH will cost the IN more than $15B.
But IN is in need of better aircraft than the Mig-29K.
Then what seems to be the problem ? Shouldn't the IGA have been signed between the GoI & GoR a long time back ?
So what's the solution and what's the Carrier launched FA saga all about given the tech specs of IAC -1 is frozen & construction almost complete ? The IAC -2 is not even on the horizon !!
The financial transaction has to be between MoD and RBE, not between HAL and RBE. HAL is just desperate to get the signature done ASAP, that doesn't mean we break rules for it and use funds from the company. It's just an invitation for scam allegations.
And, at least what I think, the IAF has time to get into a project as big as the FGFA. Once there's movement on MMRCA 2.0, we can see IAF making a decision on FGFA. This will give time for PAK FA to mature and for the MoD to also finalize the AMCA so the IAF will have a better knowledge of the future. They may then decide to buy PAK FA directly or invest in FGFA. I prefer the IAF buys 3 squadrons of PAK FA for now to replace the Mig-29s and go for a 6th gen version of FGFA in 2030.
The solutions are all extremely expensive and unrealistic. The AFC (Russian supplied) requires modifications, the arrestor requires modifications, both of which will cost a bomb. And that's considering the Russians will allow modifications in the first place. Without Russian consent, it will all fail.
Then either the elevators or the aircraft themselves require modifications. The former will also cost moolah and time. The second will destroy the performance capability of the aircraft making the entire exercise worthless.
Even with all the stuff above, I just don't want IN to get funding priority in an environment where IAF is struggling for aircraft numbers. It's better for the IN to buy the new modernized Mig-29K with Mig-35 avionics that the Russians are working on right now and avoid this entire charade.
"Speaking of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Christopher said HAL had already got an order to manufacture 123 LCAs. “In addition to that, the air force has given in writing another 201 aircraft, which is the next version, that we call as Mark-II. We are working on it and by 2022 it will be flying,” he said"
India’s AWACS is low-cost, better than Pakistan’s, says DRDO chief
That unfortunately leaves no space for MSA as light section will be taken up by LCA, medium by AMCA/Rafale/other & heavy by MKI/Amca(if it turns into another Arjun).
To be honest, I feel all these things i.e developing tech inhouse/ buying with tot will keep getting delayed and if there is a war, India will have to import equipments without enough tot. And Incase India manages to get the 5th gen tech, by that time China & Pakistanis will be flying 6th gen jets. Its frustrating.
India’s AWACS is low-cost, better than Pakistan’s, says DRDO chief
That unfortunately leaves no space for MSA as light section will be taken up by LCA, medium by AMCA/Rafale/other & heavy by MKI/Amca(if it turns into another Arjun).
To be honest, I feel all these things i.e developing tech inhouse/ buying with tot will keep getting delayed and if there is a war, India will have to import equipments without enough tot. And Incase India manages to get the 5th gen tech, by that time China & Pakistanis will be flying 6th gen jets. Its frustrating.
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If LCA numbers have gone up to 324, then the IAF has probably decided to not go for SE MII at all. The requirement for 200 aircraft simply got transferred to the LCA program.
And that would put focus on the new MMRCA deal for 120-180 jets. >> Rafale
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Stuff that's still up in the air:
Then, we will need a production line for one more jet for 150 numbers. >> ?? MSA
Then, we will need Mig-29 and M-2000 replacement for 130 jets. >> PAK FA/FGFA
Followed by 150 jets to replace the Jaguars. >> AMCA
And that would put focus on the new MMRCA deal for 120-180 jets. >> Rafale
============
Stuff that's still up in the air:
Then, we will need a production line for one more jet for 150 numbers. >> ?? MSA
Then, we will need Mig-29 and M-2000 replacement for 130 jets. >> PAK FA/FGFA
Followed by 150 jets to replace the Jaguars. >> AMCA
china - maybe
but pakistan?? they are struggling to keep their f-16s flying. they are VERY happy with their JF-17
There is exactly 0% chance of this happening. As and when it does fly it will take another 10 years for FOC. Meanwhile China just inducted J-20 while forumers here beat off to the prospect of India license producing Rafale into the mid-30's
LCA MK2 work will commence only after future maturity of MK1A.
If I understand clearly we will need few things from a plane which will be out in 2024-25 time. A version under development.
That goes into MK2 and is critical in nature.
If I understand clearly we will need few things from a plane which will be out in 2024-25 time. A version under development.
That goes into MK2 and is critical in nature.
I am sure IAF would be making its Future plans on the Premise that Both MK 1 A and Mk 2
get delayed indefinitely
This year IAF would get a definitive answer as to When the Mk 1 A will be ready
and how good will it be
In any case We need to accept that Bangladesh is also getting into China's camp
A future Hardline government in Bangladesh means a Three Front war
Tejas will have No problems against Bangladesh
get delayed indefinitely
This year IAF would get a definitive answer as to When the Mk 1 A will be ready
and how good will it be
In any case We need to accept that Bangladesh is also getting into China's camp
A future Hardline government in Bangladesh means a Three Front war
Tejas will have No problems against Bangladesh
There is chatter about Bangladesh acquiring eight su35. If true then we may need something more than Tejas if they decide to open a front with us. Although in case of a three front war we will have to go in for Pre emptive nuke strike to avoid our own annihilation
It's not a technical problem. There is more space in a delta wing to add reinforcement and so one. But you will probably loose some fuel capacity in the wing.
Main question is : who pay ?
Forget 5th and/or 6th generation Fighter coming to Pakistan. PAF alongwith pakistan will be extinct by then or maybe have become 6th province of their lizard master China....
Forget 5th and/or 6th generation Fighter coming to Pakistan. PAF alongwith pakistan will be extinct by then or maybe have become 6th province of their lizard master China....
Pakistan external debt is increasing at the rate of 10 Billion dollars per year at least
Right now it is more than 90 billion dollars
Once it crosses 130 Billion dollars ; They will be like VENEZUELA Without OIL
Venezuela is seeing food Riots at present
This discussion on Pak economy shows how worried they are
Right up in the end , when SHASHI Kapoor goes mere paas maa hain ; Like wise Pakistan - humare PAAS Cheen hain !
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