Abingdonboy
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I agree that the biggest spoiler in any such proceedings would be the US- any Indian-Israeli JV on the AMCA would be a direct threat to their F-35 sales to Israel and the US would crush any such move before it had time to even get out of the starting blocks. Look at how the US blocked Israel from exporting its AESA radar for the Gripen on offer in the MMRCA as this would have compromised US interests (i.e. selling the F-18/16 to India).Theoritically you are absolutely correct.But practically several obstacles is in there.
First of all this is a business.Of Course this is JV.But at the end Indian AirForce will give a hefty order for this ,since Israel dont have that much requurement.The weapon is next gen ,too high tech .So an export possibility is way low.
Diplomatically ,both India and Israel has limitations Israel is still rolling on the payroll of USA.So a JV for AMCA wont go well with them.F 35 istheir only choice .Arabs and Iran dont like an open strong relation with Israel.
And We should watch the Israelis.
They need us more than vice versa.Our arms market is an opportunity to Israel.But we should also keep some distance because we cant afford to become another US with strong Jewish lobby.
It's a tricky balancing act both sides need to undertake and I am under no illusions- the Israelis will always side with the US when such comes to shove, that is just how their establishment is set up. But there is truly great scope for India and Israel to do a LOT more in the defence arena and the US will likely give the two sides space to do so because a stronger India is in the US's interests (for now) anyway.
How would that come about? Are millions of Israelis/Jews about to flood into India?But we should also keep some distance because we cant afford to become another US with strong Jewish lobby.