Russian MiG-29s, Ka-31s and invaluable technical assistance for INS VIKRANT

[Ind4Ever]

Yes don't think MiG 29 are in consideration for IAC 2 onwards. While LCA Mk2 Naval versions might be a choice, both Rafale M and naval version of FGFA may operate from larger deck IAC 2. These fighter would be available from early next decade by the time IAC 2 gets ready.

WE won't have F35 lighting II ? It will be a Beast at sea .

Mig 29 line was restarted specially to cater India's needs.. we should buy the line completely from Russia...

True that. . We can increase the use of composite material from 16% to 40% . including efficiency .

I have a doubt we don't go for Mig 35 KUB class ? With folded wings . ? For our IAC 2 Vishal ? Both are maintenance head ache .

 

[DJ Crudept]

Mig-29k......
I thought N-AMCA, N-Tejas, N-FGFA or N-RAFALE

 

[anant_s]

WE won't have F35 lighting II ? It will be a Beast at sea .

yes but it looks unlikely that india would want to have two different Generation 5 fighters in its inventory. It would simply be too costly to operate and maintain such a fleet. Probably there will be an N FGFA if India decides so.

 

[sancho]

The coastal defense of a country(that has a dedicated Naval Aviation) generally rests with the Navy.So,i don't think the I.N. will be encroaching into the I.A.F. territory if they keep dedicated Mig-29K units for coastal defense (coastal defense being the primary role of the I.N.) replacing the Jaguar IN version of the IAF for the role.

It would be better if the Navy would have these fighters in that role, simply by the benefits of having the sea and air based assets under one control, but that's not the case and IAF surely won't give it up so easily. The point here is, that you have sea based coastal defence, for which IN is responsible with and the coastal air defence, which not only includes air defence against neighboring countries and that's IAF's prerogative. That's why they base MKI or LCA MK1 squads in the south, to take over air defence of A&N as well as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. So no matter if we have 2 or 3 squads of Mig 29Ks and N-LCAs based in the same area, it will be IAF that provides air defence unless the MoD changes the policies. Until then these naval fighters are restricted to carrier operations only.

 

[MilSpec]

Big fan of Mig 29's, More the merrier.

 

[Ind4Ever]

yes but it looks unlikely that india would want to have two different Generation 5 fighters in its inventory. It would simply be too costly to operate and maintain such a fleet. Probably there will be an N FGFA if India decides so.

N FGFA is like miles away. My instinct is that we will go for F35 . As by the time IAC 2 comes out F35 will be matured . And lighting II will be a Beast altogether at sea. It's not air superiority but definitely can out match our adversaries radars at sea. It will be icing in the cake. Since we will use Electro Magnetic catapult system of US if they are ok to supply us F35 without any stings attached we will go for it . Who won't ? Instead of having Elephant priced 4th gen Rafale we will choose F35 with Indian systems in it or Israelis. US can't agree with communication kits . It's ok same like Su 30 MKI / P 8 I we will have our own system in place. 30-40 F35 will change the balance in asia . That too with vertical take off and landing. F35 will be in visible to Chinese or Pakistani ship radars . Massive power projection.

As of now we don't know how FGFA will turn out. We have lots of concerns over russian claims . Let's see . IAC 2 is still at a drawing board. May be by 2024 we will get her. It's 14 years .

 

[janon]

As of now we don't know how FGFA will turn out. We have lots of concerns over russian claims . Let's see . IAC 2 is still at a drawing board. May be by 2024 we will get her. It's 14 years .

Actually that's 9 years.

 

[anant_s]

N FGFA is like miles away. My instinct is that we will go for F35 . As by the time IAC 2 comes out F35 will be matured . And lighting II will be a Beast altogether at sea. It's not air superiority but definitely can out match our adversaries radars at sea. It will be icing in the cake. Since we will use Electro Magnetic catapult system of US if they are ok to supply us F35 without any stings attached we will go for it . Who won't ? Instead of having Elephant priced 4th gen Rafale we will choose F35 with Indian systems in it or Israelis. US can't agree with communication kits . It's ok same like Su 30 MKI / P 8 I we will have our own system in place. 30-40 F35 will change the balance in asia . That too with vertical take off and landing. F35 will be in visible to Chinese or Pakistani ship radars . Massive power projection.

As of now we don't know how FGFA will turn out. We have lots of concerns over russian claims . Let's see . IAC 2 is still at a drawing board. May be by 2024 we will get her. It's 14 years .

Sir, i'm not contesting the capabilities of F-35, but my point is if India wants to have two different next generation platforms from cost point of view. Besides, I donot foresee atleast till 2025 much of contest to MiG 29K and possibly N Rafale (if chosen). Carrier based Gen V fighters are atleast a decade away in IOR and that will give time for us to ponder the options.

 

[Abingdonboy]

Mig 29 line was restarted specially to cater India's needs.. we should buy the line completely from Russia...

Beyond 45 (potentially 60) there is no demand within the IN for more. The MiG-29Ks are purely meant for the IN's 2 STOBAR carriers (INS Vikramditya and IAC-1) future ACCs will be CATOBAR configured so the MiG-29K isn't an option. The Russian Navy is now following the IN's lead and receiving their own MiG-29Ks.

I have a doubt we don't go for Mig 35 KUB class ? With folded wings . ? For our IAC 2 Vishal ? Both are maintenance head ache .

MiG-35Ks will unlikely be able to launch from catapults so this idea is moot bro.

N FGFA is like miles away. My instinct is that we will go for F35 . As by the time IAC 2 comes out F35 will be matured . And lighting II will be a Beast altogether at sea. It's not air superiority but definitely can out match our adversaries radars at sea. It will be icing in the cake. Since we will use Electro Magnetic catapult system of US if they are ok to supply us F35 without any stings attached we will go for it . Who won't ? Instead of having Elephant priced 4th gen Rafale we will choose F35 with Indian systems in it or Israelis. US can't agree with communication kits . It's ok same like Su 30 MKI / P 8 I we will have our own system in place. 30-40 F35 will change the balance in asia . That too with vertical take off and landing. F35 will be in visible to Chinese or Pakistani ship radars . Massive power projection.

As of now we don't know how FGFA will turn out. We have lots of concerns over russian claims . Let's see . IAC 2 is still at a drawing board. May be by 2024 we will get her. It's 14 years .

The problem is the N-FGFA is unlikely to be able to take off from catapults either and the IN seems (rightly) set on the EMALS so this pretty much rules out the N-FGFA ever operating from IN carriers (sadly). UNLESS HAL is able to navalise the FGFA and make it capable to take off from catapults, although I am HIGHLY skeptical I would love to know if this is being considered. There is no doubt about it that the N-FGFA would be the undisputed king of carrier fighters were this to happen.

I would seriously like to know what exactly the IN's long term grand vision is, they are pushing hard for the EMALS so what do they see their future air wings consisting of? The E-2D seems to be guaranteed (IMHO) but the biggest question is the fighter. It isn't often (these days) you see talk of a carrier being design but have no idea what fighter will fly off it. Perhaps once work on the IAC-2 begins in earnest the IN will reveal all.

Big fan of Mig 29's, More the merrier.

For you then sir:

 

[Ind4Ever]

Beyond 45 (potentially 60) there is no demand within the IN for more. The MiG-29Ks are purely meant for the IN's 2 STOBAR carriers (INS Vikramditya and IAC-1) future ACCs will be CATOBAR configured so the MiG-29K isn't an option. The Russian Navy is now following the IN's lead and receiving their own MiG-29Ks.


MiG-35Ks will unlikely be able to launch from catapults so this idea is moot bro.




The problem is the N-FGFA is unlikely to be able to take off from catapults either and the IN seems (rightly) set on the EMALS so this pretty much rules out the N-FGFA ever operating from IN carriers (sadly). UNLESS HAL is able to navalise the FGFA and make it capable to take off from catapults, although I am HIGHLY skeptical I would love to know if this is being considered. There is no doubt about it that the N-FGFA would be the undisputed king of carrier fighters were this to happen.

I would seriously like to know what exactly the IN's long term grand vision is, they are pushing hard for the EMALS so what do they see their future air wings consisting of? The E-2D seems to be guaranteed (IMHO) but the biggest question is the fighter. It isn't often (these days) you see talk of a carrier being design but have no idea what fighter will fly off it. Perhaps once work on the IAC-2 begins in earnest the IN will reveal all.

I don't think N FGFA will be ready by 2020-2022 when or IAC 2 enters. Even FGFA won't be ready for induction. We might be looking for N LCA 2 along with Rafale M or F35 or Silent Eagle ( If it's comes with full ToT and ram coating. But unlikely)

So my guess is we might look for F35 like same system been used by British Aircraft Carrier . EMALS h as very some special features like increasing or decreasing pulling force accordance with type of aircraft .
Sure N LCA 1/2 Point defense and patrolling duties .Best in its class.

Rafale M or F35 For Defence and Attack. F18 will be good for A2G role . But not superior to Rafale. It's has advantage of low prices and with reduced RCS.
F35 goes well as per it's plan . We can have it .It adds to our defence and offencive capability.

Defo not FGFA or Mig29K (our last resort) or AMCA Won't be ready .