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I don't think it's dead.
I just think both countries massively underestimated how long and how much it would cost to develop a 5th gen fighter.
I think India would go for F-16s or F-18s under Make in India and go for the F-35s as and when they are available. The problem with F-35s is that India is at the back of the line and may have to wait for another 8-10 years for its turn.
in hindsight India should of chosen the F-18 for MRCA and the F-35 makes the most sense for a 5th gen fighter, but they want technology transfer and to use Indian made weapons/systems and I don't think U.S would give much to India on that front.
I guess Modi has taken a prudent step in examining defence related deals with Russia. You cannot keep on pouring money with no outcome. Russia has to deliver what it has promised, which it always fails.
That may be true in the past but now that the India-Russian relations have totally nosedived and only 36 RAFALEs coming, India would be well advise to go for the F-18s as part of Make in India and wait for the F-35s whenever they are available. That is the best case scenario. Hope the IAF doesn't mess up this time. India has already agreed to signup for the foundational agreements. so I am hopeful.
India to begin talks with US on signing 'foundational' defence accords | IHS Jane's 360
That may be true in the past but now that the India-Russian relations have totally nosedived and only 36 RAFALEs coming, India would be well advise to go for the F-18s as part of Make in India and wait for the F-35s whenever they are available. That is the best case scenario. Hope the IAF doesn't mess up this time. India has already agreed to signup for the foundational agreements. so I am hopeful.
India to begin talks with US on signing 'foundational' defence accords | IHS Jane's 360
After this huge failure, unfortunately, Indians are only left to take this position as a saving grace. World would surely see this as sour grapes.
if India was willing to buy 200+ U.S made F-35s I think it would be possible
India could buy
140 of the F-35A variant
60 of the F-35 B/C variant for India future aircraft carriers
and to set up India to maintain the F-35 and a weapons package you are looking at about $25 billion dollar deal
and don't forget, within 5--7 years, India will have to decommission a big number of current fighter jetsMoney is no object here and India surely has the requirement. The issue is India would not see a 5th generation fighter for another decade while China may have it in the next 5 years. Also, China is already procuring s-400s from Russia which was declined to India. So India is now in a very precarious position vis-a-vis China in both offensive and defensive systems.
If a war breaks out in the next few years India may not survive as nation.
and don't forget, within 5--7 years, India will have to decommission a big number of current fighter jets
Money is no object here and India surely has the requirement. The issue is India would not see a 5th generation fighter for another decade while China may have it in the next 5 years. Also, China is already procuring s-400s from Russia which was declined to India. So India is now in a very precarious position vis-a-vis China in both offensive and defensive systems.
If a war breaks out in the next few years India may not survive as nation.