sancho
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Newer and more capable fighters would be a good idea imo, but the problem is that Gorshkov is a combined deal with Mig 29K. If we have to take them anyway, it is logical to buy more for the second carrier too.I agree with Sancho, who ever wrote this article has very little idea on whats going on.
The Indian Navy announced long back its interest in the F-35-B for its carriers.
The only reason i could see for the IN to pay for new fighters.
Is due to the MMRCA deal, and the cost effective benefits it would have if the IN and IAF choose the Same plane.
But between the Mig and Tejas there realy isnt any room on our carrier for a third aircraft. with clear benefit.
The only reason i can see is that IN is just testing the waters so to speak for options on what planed to get IF the British sell their brand new carrier (CFV).
The british carrier is a different case, because it is not meant for air defense and sea control in the Indian Ocean like Gorshkov and the Vikrant class. This bigger carrier is to expand our power to a longer distance, obviously with China in mind. For such a carrier, neither N-LCA, or Mig 29K are capable enough, that's why this carrier for sure must have at least Rafale, F18SH, or better F35, N-FGFA!
By the fact that this carrier is not laid down and will only be ready by 2018, or later N-FGFA could be an option.
What is more interesting to me is, what layout this carrier would have? Britain pland with STOVL, but no other fighter than the F35B can be used with this config. If we can buy it, I think we will get the same CATOBAR config that was proposed for the French Porte-Avions 2 carrier:
Future French aircraft carrier - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
That would explain why IN is interested in EMALS and E-2D!
Personally, I would love to see a bigger carrier with a mixed airwing of N-FGFA for air superiority, F35C for strikes (better weapons in this field) and E-2D as AEW aircrafts.
But if we buy that carrier, we should get the licence production rights to build another one in India too. We need at least 2 of them to have one always operational.