First eliminations in MMRCA expected this month

[CONNAN]

MiG-29OVT, aka. MiG-35 (Rosonboronexport, Russia).

This modified MiG-29 includes improved radar and avionics that give it multi-role capability, extra fuel in a new aircraft “spine,” and thrust-vectoring engines a la India’s SU-30MKIs. Strengths include compatibility with the existing and future MiG-29 fleet, and its ability to carry advanced Russian missiles already in service like the revolutionary AA-11/R-73 Archer and longer range AA-12/R-77 “AMRAAMski.” The presence of MiG-29 infrastructure and a new plant for license-building RD-33 Series III engines in India also makes compliance with industrial offset requirements easier.

The MiG-29’s biggest weaknesses were short range, engines that produce telltale smoke (very bad in air combat) and lack of true multi-role capability; the MiG-35 largely fixes these issues, and may even add an AESA radar of its own if Phazotron-NIIR can have its new Zhuk-AE ready in time. Technology sharing and co-production are also considered to be strengths; as one Indian officer put it: “Russians have their problems of delayed projects and unreliable spare supply but they give access to everything, unlike the Americans.” He’s referring to the IAF’s not-so-great experience with India’s existing MiG-29s, which have had maintenance problems in addition to their other deficits.

Remaining weaknesses in the MiG-35 bid include the serious difficulties India has had with Russian firms over the refit of its new carrier, order for more Mi-17 helicopters, and order for 3 more Krivak-III class frigates. All have featured failure to deliver, and post-contract price renegotiation demands that have raised prices up to 200%. Reports that MiG-35 delivery cannot start before 2014 at the earliest add a further disadvantage, especially compared to competitors with active production lines and rapid delivery capability.

There has also been legitimate speculation about the future viability of the MiG-29 family platform, which has been eclipsed by the SU-30 family. Despite Yemen’s interest in buying more MiGs, Algeria’s canceled $1.8 billion order adds further risk to a platform whose current order book revolves around refurbishment programs. India has ordered a handful of MiG-29K variants as its future carrier aircraft. Nevertheless, doubling down to add the MiG-35 would make India the first customer for both variants – neither of which has other sale opportunities on the near horizon. That could be spun as a positive industrial opportunity, but it’s also a cost and risk issue.

 

[SpArK]

I must admit the mere elimination news have got people excited. Coz we have been waiting for this goddamn thing to happen for a very long time.

 

[CONNAN]

Eurofighter Typhoon (EADS/BAE, Europe & Britain).

A fourth generation aircraft currently optimized for the air-air role through its performance characteristics and what is by all accounts an excellent pilot interface. One surprise plus for Eurofighter could be its Eurojet EJ200 engines, which are being considered as the base powerplant for India’s LCA Tejas Mk2.

Typhoon fighters reportedly have “supercruise” capability beyond Mach 1 without using afterburners, though some analysts have cast doubt on how sustainable that is once weapons are attached. Some observers believe that aside from the F-22A Raptor, the Eurofighter is the next-best in-service air superiority aircraft world-wide, though the 2007 Indra Dhanush exercise that matched it up against India’s SU-30MKI makes a case for the MKI. Tranche 2 upgrades are giving this plane full multi-role capabilities, and India’s delay has given those developments more time to mature.

With respect to industrial offsets, BAE already has an order from India for 66 BAE Hawk trainers, 42 of which are being built in India. That order has run into trouble, however, which could hurt the Typhoon’s chances. Given EADS’ key role in the Eurofighter consortium, Airbus might also be able to contribute on this front.

Weaknesses include the aircraft’s $100+ million expense, which may stretch India’s budget to the breaking point; the fact it’s a new aircraft type for the IAF so the entire support infrastructure would have to be developed; its lack of naval capability; the developmental status of its CAESAR (Captor AESA Radar) technology; and the non-existent geopolitical benefits of selecting it. Given the Eurofighter’s performance and costs, simply buying more SU-30MKIs would appear to make far more sense.

 

[CONNAN]

F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet (Boeing, USA).

Highly upgraded version of the F/A-18 A-D Hornet, enlarged and given new engines and avionics. Commonality between the Hornet and Super Hornet is only about 25%. Strengths include its powerful AN/APG-79 AESA radar, which has drawn significant interest from India. This radar could allow Super Hornets to play a unique role in India’s fighter fleet as versatile “quarterbacks” (or better yet, “cricket captains”) due to their radar’s performance and information sharing abilities. Other advantages include carrier capability, a very wide range of integrated weapons, a design that is proven in service and in combat, F414 engines that may also serve as the base for LCA Tejas Mk2; and complete assurance in its future upgrade spiral, given the US Navy’s commitment to it.

The existence of a dedicated electronic warfare variant as of 2009 in the EA-18G Growler may also be a potent motivator, as the growth of sophisticated air defense systems will place a growing premium on this unique capability. Last but certainly not least, this choice offers an opportunity to create an early “win” which would strengthen India’s new alliance with the USA and prove its new status in the world. After all, when clearance for the aircraft was given, no other nation had even been offered the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.

Since then, of course, close American ally Australia has bought 24 F/A-18F Block IIs in a controversial A$ 6 billion purchase, and even taken steps to modify 12 aircraft toward EA-18G Growler status. Australia’s deployment of Super Hornets gives the platform an additional selling point in the “allied commonality” department, and Boeing’s planned $1.5 billion investment in India’s aerospace market may help deal with defense industrial offset issues. The Super Hornet’s Boeing connection adds many industrial options in the civil aircraft market as well.

Weaknesses of the Super Hornet platform include deep distrust of America’s reliability as an arms supplier, technology transfer concerns, and the aircraft’s expense. Given the costs to other customers so far, it seems unlikely that Boeing can deliver 126 fully-equipped F/A-18 E/F Block II aircraft for just $10.2 billion, let alone aircraft plus lifetime support. The Super Hornet also offers poorer aerodynamic performance than the Eurofighter or Rafale, due to inherent airframe limitations. Finally, it’s a new aircraft type for the IAF, so the entire support infrastructure would have to be developed from the ground up.

---------- Post added at 06:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:35 AM ----------

now you guys can decide what we are going to get

 

[KEETARP]

Hello Sir, Wht do U feel whu will Win and have Most Chances of Winning ??????

Any inside info ?????

Ishan ,

You should ask this question to Desiman , he has much better contacts . His parents are/were in MoD i remember he told once . He will be in much better position to answer .

Personally i feel one of the cheaper jets will make it to short-list to keep other companies at toe and offer better bargain

 

[jha]

F/A-18, RAFALE and Gripen are expected to make it..

 

[CONNAN]

ok change my mind go rafale gooooo

 

[owcc]

Kick out f 16 and keep a watch on gripen as most of it requires US permit

 

[SpArK]

F-16 Fighting Falcon (Lockheed, USA)


Weaknesses


The fact that Pakistan also flies F-16s.
The entire support infrastructure would have to be developed.
US pressures.

JAS-39 Gripen.


Weaknesses
Short Range
Developmental AESA.
No geopolitical benefits??.( i highly doubt so, If its rejected PAF will straight away go for them).


Rafale (Dassault, France)

Weaknesses

Mostly technical and a bit pricey.

MiG-29OVT, aka. MiG-35 (Rosonboronexport, Russia).


Weaknesses

Excisting Russian fighters and no political advantage ,which we already have.


Eurofighter Typhoon (EADS/BAE, Europe & Britain).

Weaknesses

Pricey
developmental Radar
No political gains.



F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet (Boeing, USA).


Weaknesses

Distrust
Technology transfer fears.
New infrastructure .
EF and Rafale are better.

 

[Markus]

Kick out f 16 and keep a watch on gripen as most of it requires US permit

Gripen will be a very bad choice.

We will have LCA for single engined fighters. With reference to the air force doctrine, we need to go for twin engined planes.

 

[SpArK]

If its a split between 2 , there should be atleast one with a fully functional AESA radar.

Can the experts give a description about the AESA radar developments of these.

where the hell is Sancho and Co.?

 

[dingyibvs]

My Crystal BALLS say Rafale or EF typhoon make it.....

If its a split between 2 , there should be atleast one with a fully functional AESA radar.

Can the experts give a description about the AESA radar developments of these.

where the hell is Sancho and Co.?

Splitting the order sounds like a logistical nightmare unless one of them is the Rafale and the NMMRCA is also the Rafale.

 

[Markus]

Splitting the order sounds like a logistical nightmare unless one of them is the Rafale and the NMMRCA is also the Rafale.

Two huge contracts to the same country will be a political nightmare.

 

[lhuang]

Um I don't see how Pakistan can 'go for' the Gripen. Didn't Sweden say no more military sales to Pakistan?

 

[CONNAN]

Um I don't see how Pakistan can 'go for' the Gripen. Didn't Sweden say no more military sales to Pakistan?

nope the sweeds sold Saab Erieye 2000 AEW&C Aircraft to pakistan