The contours of F16 latest offer suggests that it wont be able to meet India's wishes and requirements of technology. In reality the attempt to move to F35 is actually a face saving tactic from LM.
The reason being India with now firmed up investment of offsets of Rafale deal into Kaveri program has not asked for any engine technology from USA (Be it P&W or even GE) as compared to earlier stance. In simple words, the GE 414 tech is no more asked and this has taken out a big carrot from USA hands completely.
The 4 technologies desired under F16 deal is as follows
- APG 83 SABR radar codes and technology
- Sniper Pod complete technology and a ability to internalize such pods in future indigenous jets
- IRST pod again internalized
- Jammer Technology again internalized
In short, India wishes to utilize the SABR and integration of complete electro optical sensors with IRST and Jammers for Internal Fitment.
Such a case show cases two things clearly -
- This technology will be used for indigenous AMCA project
- LCA future iterations which may have possibly a longer length and reorganisation of LRUs and space may see usage of these tech shared by USA.
Unfortunately, these are gems which are basically in control of Senate approval and IPR are held by other entities (not LM).
The understanding is Israel, Japan, South Korea etc have not got access to such technology as well inspite of being much more closer to USA and sharing strategic relationship.
This is the reason that F35 gameplan is now being played by LM as they know beyond the participating countries who dont have access and Israel who is putting their own customization, no one is shared anything at all. This kind of takes out the technology sharing point completely out of the picture and the marketing campaign will focus on strategic value of India-USA relationship only.
This is the way the chess game stands as of now.
@Abingdonboy @anant_s @zebra7 @MilSpec @Taygibay @Vergennes @others
oh btw LM is not shifting the complete line to India and infact its only a partial line transfer..