OK fine, but that's not helping the F-35. Superbug is a competitor to the F-35 in this race.
While the SH is cheaper, due to the addition of Growler, the procurement cost of the SH+Growler is much higher.
Finland still hasn't made a final decision on the winner of its HX competition.
www.defensenews.com
The F-35 package, worth $12.5 billion, includes 64 F-35A...
Meanwhile, the Super Hornet package — worth an estimated $14.7 billion — includes 50 single-seat F/A-18E jets, eight double-seated F/A-18Fs and 14 EA-18G Growlers, which is the electronic attack variant. The package also includes 166 F414-GE-400 engines for the dual-engine fighter, Sniper targeting pods, AN/APG-79 radars, AN/ALR-67(V)3 electric warfare countermeasures receiving sets, and Next Generation Jammer Midband and advanced electronic attack kits for the EA-18G.
The stuff in bold increases the cost quite a bit. Especially with their offer being for 72 jets. And, as per the Americans, the Growlers are needed alongside the SH.
Anyway, we need to consider the way the contest will be held too. Post shortlist, the best jet wins. If both the F-35 and SH make the shortlist, then the F-35 will win since it's technically superior.
Also, it doesn't look like Dassault can manage to sell 64 jets at $11.2B. At India's price, it's only possible to sell 55 jets at $11.2B. But the F4.2 is expected to be more modern and more expensive, so the actual number of jets could be even lower. When it comes to spares cost too, the Rafale seems to be more expensive due to the exchange rate difference. In India, the cost of flying 36 Rafales is $400M for 5 years, which is $2.22M per year for each Rafale. If we assume it's for 200 hours per year, we get $11100 per hour. As per the F-35's cost estimate of $25000, LM and PW's share is $13250, for 160 hours we get $2.12M. So, due to the exchange rate diff and lower number of flight hours, the F-35 comes off better than the Rafale. Based on these calculations, even if the Rafale meets the operating cost benchmark, it may not get shortlisted due to its higher procurement cost.
If Rafale can't make it, then the Typhoon definitely won't. And we also know the procurement cost of SH+Growler is more expensive as per DSCA's estimate. So I feel the competition will be between the F-35 and Gripen. Only these two can offer all 64 jets below the benchmark price.
Of course, the Rafale's cost can be reduced significantly if they offer it at the same price they offer to the AAE. They will have to reduce costs by more than $1.5B in the process though, so I don't know if there's enough room for doing such a thing.
I am hoping the Rafale does get shortlisted though. Since the final criteria is purely based on tech specs, at least it will confirm once and for all which jet is better.
