Search found 150 matches

by prabir
24 Nov 2012 08:20
Forum: Military Issues & History Forum
Topic: Preparing for Defeat by the Dragon
Replies: 208
Views: 26991

Re: Preparing for Defeat by the Dragon

Cannot agree more. NRI = Non Reliable Indian
If India with a professional army cannot ensure a good response (in some cases asymmetrical), then its a shame, because even today Vietnam can give a bloody nose to China.
by prabir
04 Nov 2011 17:54
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: India selects Typhoon & Rafale for MMRCA shortlist - Part 2
Replies: 3977
Views: 836722

Re: India selects Typhoon & Rafale for MMRCA shortlist - Par

US is offering F35 only "if India cancels the MMRCA contract"
I hope decision makers select one of the shortlisted aircraft and put an end to this circus quickly.
by prabir
06 Sep 2011 19:04
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: India selects Typhoon & Rafale for MMRCA shortlist - Part 2
Replies: 3977
Views: 836722

Re: India selects Typhoon & Rafale for MMRCA shortlist - Par

It is wise to engage US by buying non-serious stuff. Nothing more than that. While we buy serious stuff from Russians and French, it is also imperative that we develop our own industry if we really want to aspire for a great power status. Otherwise, we will continue to dream. No body builds a great ...
by prabir
24 Aug 2011 18:59
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: India selects Typhoon & Rafale for MMRCA shortlist - Part 2
Replies: 3977
Views: 836722

Re: India selects Typhoon & Rafale for MMRCA shortlist - Par

Yes... this makes it reasonable to go with the French. But, what if to keep the French happy with M2000 upgrade and go for Typhoon. If this happens (Typhoon selected with costly upgrade of M2000), then it will prove that, India has not learnt anything with its own economic progress.
by prabir
03 Aug 2011 17:10
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: India selects Typhoon & Rafale for MMRCA shortlist - Part 2
Replies: 3977
Views: 836722

Re: India selects Typhoon & Rafale for MMRCA shortlist - Par

Please do not underestimate the American "will" to come out of the debt crisis. Those holding US debt notes will be bigger fool, not Americans, should its economy melt.
by prabir
03 Aug 2011 16:58
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: India selects Typhoon & Rafale for MMRCA shortlist - Part 2
Replies: 3977
Views: 836722

Re: India selects Typhoon & Rafale for MMRCA shortlist - Par

All we have to wait for some time. US will finally come around and give us what we want. They need someone in Asia as a hedge against China. All we need is the political will to negotiate firmly
by prabir
02 Aug 2011 18:27
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: India selects Typhoon & Rafale for MMRCA shortlist - Part 2
Replies: 3977
Views: 836722

Re: India selects Typhoon & Rafale for MMRCA shortlist - Par

I agree fully with Philip. Engagement with US should be based on case-by-case basis only. They tend to implant themselves into the system and start influencing it in ways that can go against our interests. India is not a follower state and has to have independent engagements with every major power a...
by prabir
04 Dec 2010 22:58
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA Discussion - October 2, 2010
Replies: 3205
Views: 867298

Re: MRCA Discussion - October 2, 2010

It will be EADS as they have provided the best offer in terms of tech transfer, partnership, positive spin-offs in other projects (LCA for example)
by prabir
27 Nov 2010 20:41
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA Discussion - October 2, 2010
Replies: 3205
Views: 867298

Re: MRCA Discussion - October 2, 2010

We have the following players - 1. US (F16, F18) 2. France (Rafael) 3. European Consortium (Euro Fighter Typhoon) 4. Russia (Mig 35) 5. Sweden (Grippen) Out of the above list, India (even if we go with the assumption) has to please / "engage" certain countries. By this criteria, Sweden is ...
by prabir
05 Nov 2010 01:02
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA Discussion - October 2, 2010
Replies: 3205
Views: 867298

Re: MRCA Discussion - October 2, 2010

lifafa flying left and right :) But after Ombaba's nonsense regarding dual use and UNSC membership - throw out the teens The way to go is with EADS and buy Typhoon. Americans are getting transport aircraft deals and that is more than enough for them. We don't want to sign agreements with them as on...
by prabir
07 Oct 2010 18:14
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA Discussion - October 2, 2010
Replies: 3205
Views: 867298

Re: MRCA Discussion - October 2, 2010

" US does not like direct competitors and challengers so they make sure any country that could rise as a challenger like China and India are dealt and bled via local issues which keeps them busy and occupied." This is not a sustainable policy post Cold War. US gets it back with due interes...
by prabir
03 Oct 2010 22:23
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: LCA News and Discussions
Replies: 3890
Views: 1317369

Re: LCA News and Discussions

A disastrous decision long term in my view.I can only suggest that the long gestation period of the LCA with a GE engine tipped the scales in its favour.That is if there was no political interferenceinthe decision.However,MMS's statements about AKA delaying defence decisionsin his press conference ...
by prabir
18 Sep 2010 23:12
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

Going slow on the process before US President's visit itself means that MMS will not have his way in awarding deal to US. This is a good signal. Doing business with Americans in non-serious stuff is ok, but in MRCA deal, it is not worth. They cannot be reliable friends / partners. This apprehension ...
by prabir
11 Sep 2010 18:29
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

Of the current lot, only MMS is a die hard supporter of going with US for the MRCA deal. AK Antony and Sonia will prefer from Europe (EADS or France) based on the political package as well as offsets for LCA program. This will be a very good way of conveying to US the right message. They cannot do &...
by prabir
28 Aug 2010 22:10
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: LCA News and Discussions
Replies: 3890
Views: 1317369

Re: LCA News and Discussions

I am not an expert in this area. I would only want to see the induction process to be hastened up because of the positive impact it is going to have on morale of sceintists and engineers of DRDO, NAL, ADA and HAL. The best way to develop a product is to follow an incremental model. In 1st increment,...
by prabir
27 Aug 2010 20:31
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: LCA News and Discussions
Replies: 3890
Views: 1317369

Re: LCA News and Discussions

There is an import lobby in Army and IAF who do not encourage domestic procurement. Navy has supported domestic procurement.
by prabir
17 Aug 2010 18:48
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

Cost escalation with same Radar / Avionics ? or will new features. I am sure, no one will approve this based on existing features.
by prabir
14 Aug 2010 19:49
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

US is not going to get this deal. MMS is not the only one who decides things. There is Pranab Mukerjee, AK Antony, Sonia Miano etc. It is going to be a European deal whether with France or EADS. Technology package is what will count. We should not live in a fools paradise about US siding with us in ...
by prabir
07 May 2010 19:44
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

Going with US Aircraft / one that is compliant only with GPS has a major disadvantage -

If our war is against US interests, they can disable GPS signals.

We are buying these for our defence and not for training.
by prabir
25 Apr 2010 20:27
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: LCA news and discussion
Replies: 2897
Views: 1046091

Re: LCA news and discussion

Start was needed. Everything should fall in place with 5 yrs time. Between 1991-97, there was neglect of defence because of economic troubles. After that 1998 tests also caused sanctions to be applied. Delay in LCA, Arjun and other projects should also account for the above factors. Slowly, but firm...
by prabir
29 Mar 2010 18:55
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

I actually quite liked the American birds.. (once upon a time) but not anymore... Such blatant 'double gamesmanship' cannot and should not be ignored.. I have now jumped to the European camp.. Ej200 for LCA, EF for IAF & India as a part of EADS consortium... If we do not want to go for Russian ...
by prabir
24 Mar 2010 18:31
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

Even if Russian Tech is "backward" over their Western counterparts, as they will be more willing to share things, we can improve upon them. Pls see how collaboration on Brahmos and Su 30 MKI helped produce world class products. Russians are learning to be market oriented and we already are...
by prabir
23 Mar 2010 00:30
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

I just wonder if the Khans have figured they wont get the big ticket items in our defence purchases... hence the noises for nuke deal with TSP... coz if we know then surely Khan saab must have figured long back... Offering Nuke deal to Pakistan and then talking about strategic partnership with Indi...
by prabir
19 Mar 2010 15:51
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

This argument is strong and confirms that ties with Russia are not only commercial in nature. It is a real convergence of interests.

With US, there is no full convergence of interests. It is a dominant power in the world, so why should it want to see India as an equal partner ?
by prabir
12 Mar 2010 02:02
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

Dirty tricks like embedded software code that can be remote activated and cause equipment to perform below expectations can be expected from a US made equipment.
by prabir
09 Mar 2010 18:35
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

We just need to enage US in non-serious stuff. As long as their defense lobby gets money from India, they will do the necessary lobbying to protect Indian interests. We should buy serious stuff from Europe and Russia. US has a tendency to nose around too much in internal workings of political and mi...
by prabir
02 Mar 2010 01:26
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

Going with US has a disadvantage of giving "arm twisting" capability to an unreliable partner Going with Russia means, too much of dependence as they already have a sizable share in the Indian market We have Options like going with France, EADS, Sweden. Objectively, its positive impact on ...
by prabir
17 Feb 2010 23:41
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

we don't really need to behave like Chinese, who will always want to steal a technology, violate IPR. Such actions do not result in long term engagements.

Because of this attitude of theirs, can they boast of any ally who is respected ?

We should play by the rules and develop our Industries.
by prabir
11 Feb 2010 18:52
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

If ISRO can manufacture launch vehicles and sattelites, why HAL cannot go up the manufacturing value chain ? All we need is kick people at the right places and force them to deliver. Import lobby also need to be taken care of. It is just a matter of time, when such hurdles will be crossed. Changes o...
by prabir
30 Jan 2010 01:21
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

Is it possible that, we can use MRCA contract to get a "political package" with US and Russia along the following lines - 1. India get recognition as Nuclear Weapons State in NPT 2. India signs CTBT once US ratifies it and both Russia and US share simulation of cold nuclear tests. Russia e...
by prabir
27 Jan 2010 02:27
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

Our sober UPA government must speak up and ask US to stop arming Munna immediately OR unkil won't be allowed to enter into the Indian defense market. It's just simply beyond me why are we so lured into the P8i or the HC130 etc.. There should be a clause in every RFP - country who wants to participa...
by prabir
26 Jan 2010 20:52
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

Posts regarding US Arms look like Military Channel (Discovery). Even when MMS is pro-US, that does not mean deal with go to US. In the end, in our system of "checks and balances", the winner will be the one that rates highest on -- Political package -- Extent of ToT -- Price and value for ...
by prabir
26 Jan 2010 04:25
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

This deal is taking place at a time, when India is experiencing an economic transition. So, this is the best time to facilitate building the private sector in defence manufacturing. This will also help bring in managerial competence in NAL, DRDO, DRDL, HAL. MRCA deal could be way to start undoing al...
by prabir
25 Jan 2010 21:46
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3861
Views: 1229644

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

Manufacturing in India should be done but not 100% under HAL. We can encourage tie up with HAL and TATA to start manufacturing and gradually move it over to Tata. We have to build private sector with its own in-built accountability in collaboration with Tata, Mahindra etc. This will help improve acc...
by prabir
22 Jan 2010 03:22
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3260
Views: 865002

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

If we are going to buy US planes, then the "political package" will be concrete actions + inputs that will come from US in case of an Indo-China conflict. Otherwise, it does not make sense to do business with US for lethal stuff. No one worries about Pakistan as it is any way going to dogs...
by prabir
13 Jan 2010 22:04
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3260
Views: 865002

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

Philip, the article you mentioned also favours a US MRCA in many ways. That the planes should win on merit alone. They seem to be rooting for the Super Hornet. The Magazine also has an article wrt to the Apache and Chinook, written by a Boeing guy :roll:. I think it will be an American MRCA at the ...
by prabir
10 Jan 2010 20:11
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3260
Views: 865002

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

If buying 60 units of MiG 35 gives us benefits in improving our design and build capability in other projects, I would consider 60 units of MiG 35 as "sunk" costs, if we go by the hypothesis, that going for MiG 35 is the worst course of action. Benefits of maintaining business deals with R...
by prabir
09 Jan 2010 21:43
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3260
Views: 865002

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

I see a very important signal in we going for C-17 transport planes via FMS route worth $2.2 billion.
It is something like this - We buy stuff from US to keep them on the right side and for MRCA, go for the right stuff without "strings" attached.
by prabir
27 Dec 2009 01:20
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3260
Views: 865002

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

sumshyam wrote:
prabir wrote: To keep US happy
huh...!

When did Indian foreign policy become slave of US...?
To keep US happy and yet do what we want. This is how Chinese have managed to hold on to an artificial exchange rate w.r.t dollar and caused trade imbalances.
by prabir
26 Dec 2009 21:03
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: MRCA News and Discussion
Replies: 3260
Views: 865002

Re: MRCA News and Discussion

F-16 and F-18 are old wine in a new bottle. Buying these from US will serve no purpose for India unless it is accompanied by a compelling political package from US. Like what help US would provide in case of hostilities with China. Otherwise, India interests are best served by buying MiG 35 from Rus...