Sure, that can be the case. However, it might very well be that he did not do the basic homework that the F5 will not roll out by 2027 and happens to believe that IN weapons will be integrated with the Rafale soon. There are no Indian weapons mated to the Rafale till date and I have not seen any reports of forthcoming trials for them. So, it is either what you are saying or he sincerely believes that the French would never overcharge/overpromise us and would offer us their best development know how. There is a section of retired officials that drink the RU Kool-aid and regularly promote their weapons for India to buy for XYZ reasons. I agree that finances can a major part of the promotional aspect. It can also be that they genuinely believe that weapons from foreign OEMs perform better.
There is a new trend these days. The latest system to fall into the "re-badge" category happens to be an LM. The actual OEM is from Belarus. What I fail to understand is...why all the excitement and false hype?
And what about Martlets? Why not build those in numbers instead of another EP?
The position of the logistics officer of the Indian Armed Forces has got to be one of the most stressful jobs in the world.
That's laser guided. Less than ideal system for a MANPAD. If I want a laser guided system, I would prefer it's grandpa Starstreak or RBS70
Here is what the French have demonstrated:
- Fool Indians with ToT on Scorpenes
- Interfere with ToT in a German/Indian sub deal
- Fool Indians with ToT on a Indian/French heli engine JV (Shakti) which they then scaled up, optimized further and sold it to the Chinese for their Z-15s.
- Sell the same Pielstick PA6 marine engines powering the Indian Navy surface vessels to the Chinese Navy.
- Fool Indians again that they will part with ToT on the aero engine JV. And if you're sensing a pattern, I'm sure they'll fool Indians once more when they sell uprated versions of those engines to the Chinese afterwards.
They're indeed willing to sell you hardware at an exorbitant mark up and they're honest about arming both sides if they can make a buck. But don't get fooled about any strategic partnerships or ToT.
I agree with you, but there is similar story with Russia / USSR too. Be it Aircraft Carrier deal, Su 30 MKI deal etc. Completely self development is the best way forward for us , I know, but in some domains we need external inputs due to our experience of not meeting the requirements in certain projects. What do you think is the best way forward for us , considering the reality of the situation ?
I have no doubt Indians will pull it off. But you've got to find a way to spend more than 1.5% on R&D.
Trichy Carbine (TriCa)
Unveiled in January 2021, the TriCa weights 3.17 kg and is marketed as a compact weapon for vehicle crews, paratroopers and special forces units. The TriCA's firing range is from 150 to 175 metres. A muzzle device is installed on the barrel to minimize muzzle flash and sound when it's fired.
The TriCa is a clone based on the Arsenal AR-M14SF, but the muzzle device is based on the AKS-74U.
It is sometimes known as Baby TAR or TAR-3.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...eapon-trichy-carbine/articleshow/84875754.cms
https://www.indiatoday.in/india-tod...a-s-smallest-assault-rifle-1762654-2021-01-25
https://milmag.pl/debiut-subkarabinka-trica/
AR-M14SF has much better effective range than this gun. But, then again it's a carbine so for CQBs 150-170 metres would be enough ig.
I find it absurd that CEMILAC is still under DRDO; it should be an independent authority.
Every flight worthy system will take 3 years minimum to certify.