Bharat Rakshak

GeorgeWelch

I thought manufacturing was non-existant. We need F-16 to save us! No one said that Doing screwdrivergiri of 100 aircraft is not going to change anything. If handled properly, it can be much more than that and make a substantive difference If I am wrong in my assessment, then with all the screwdriv...

GeorgeWelch

These are just "some" of the other sectors of the economy that is doing just fine without F-Solahs being made in India. They are not just surviving, they are THRIVING! The Ball does not need to roll, the Ball is already moving full speed ahead! You should always strive to improve yourself...

GeorgeWelch

http://www.thenational.ae/business/economy/idex-2017-uae-and-russia-to-develop-fighter-jet Russia plans to develop a fifth generation joint light fighter aircraft with the UAE as Moscow seeks to boost its military exports to the region. Sergey Chemezov, the chief executive of Rostec, the country’s l...

GeorgeWelch

This is what the MOD will look into. But to suggest that 57 fighter aircraft procurement is somehow indicative of a critical mass is quite absurd. By any standard that is a fairly small fleet. I'm sorry for confusing the issue with that point. Even without critical mass, price differentials alone c...

GeorgeWelch

Yes the Rafale is expensive, but I don't think anyone here will dispute the fact that more are going to come for the IAF. You seemed to consider LCA Mk II as theoretical, yet there's more reason to believe it will happen than any additional Rafale orders. Strange how your standard of proof seems to...

GeorgeWelch

Both happen to be capable of being operated from land and sea. No, Rafale cannot be operated from a carrier, only the Rafale-M can. Think 2030 and you negotiate acquiring control or license to allow deeper modernization and inclusion of indigenous capability. It's going to be cost prohibitive to ne...

GeorgeWelch

Weapons being cheaper does not negate the need to maintain two entirely different supply chains, and logistical infrastructure to support, overhaul and maintain them. But it can negate the cost difference. There is a crossing point where the price per weapon does indeed make it cheaper to maintain ...

GeorgeWelch

That's speculative since there is little in terms of component commonality between the F404 or the F414 while there is far greater commonality on the other side Sorry for not being clear, I was of course referring to Mk 2 with 414 So far there has been no movement on a potential Indian GE F414 buy ...

GeorgeWelch

Could (Should) be the Rafale - M since it makes sense since it will already have a logisitical footprint in the country. that's only true if the logistical savings is enough to make it cheaper than (or at least comparably priced to) the SH, which I find doubtful. Any savings in logistics are likely...

GeorgeWelch

Some say it is as a jest, make it truth. Officially commission all of India as one giant aircraft carrier with multiple 'flight decks'.

Then the F-16 can be a carrier-based fighter.

GeorgeWelch

F-16 doesn't operate off carriers

That said, if the IAF can't afford more than 36 Rafales (for now), how is the Navy going to afford 57 of the most expensive variant?

GeorgeWelch

Navy issues RFI for 57 carrier fighters http://www.stratpost.com/navy-issues-rfi-57-carrier-fighters deliveries of the aircraft to ‘commence within three years post conclusion of contract, and be completed within further period of three years’ 57 deliveries within 3 (possibly 6) years? Rafale would...

GeorgeWelch

Can a Super Hornet do a Ski-Ramp Take off ? http://www.thehindu.com/business/article53220.ece But Boeing IDS' Head for India, Dr Vivek Lall, told India Strategic that Boeing had done a computer simulation to verify that the Super Hornet could operate from Gorshkov and Indian carriers as and when th...

GeorgeWelch

http://www.financialexpress.com/article/economy/customs-act-change-may-delay-modernisation-of-mirage-jaguar-other-fighter-planes/250879/ Customs Act change may delay modernisation of Mirage, Jaguar, other fighter planes The Indian Air Force has asked the Defence Ministry to find a way out in the wak...

GeorgeWelch

And as I said to a response earlier, if they go nuclear, then EMALS is a no-brainer, if they stay conventional, then steam CAT's come into play Steam cats make more sense on nuclear where it already generates steam. A conventional plant would have to add a separate boiler just to run the cats. Real...

GeorgeWelch

400 have been delivered to 44 airlines around the world and only one airline has grounded a plane so it can be cannibalized for parts. Others havn't cannabalized their planes for parts. Really?!!! You sir, willingly, and knowingly obfuscate the facts. Please point out which other airline has conver...

GeorgeWelch

indranilroy wrote:
GeorgeWelch wrote:
Because it's not worldwide, it is an Air India problem.
Is it? I am pretty sure you know to Google.

Dispatch reliability worldwide is now more than 99 percent.

400 have been delivered to 44 airlines around the world and only one airline has grounded a plane so it can be cannibalized for parts.

GeorgeWelch

Philip wrote:Why is there no ranting and raving against Boeing for their shoddy airliner,which is experiencing woes worldwide?

Because it's not worldwide, it is an Air India problem.

GeorgeWelch

George Welch, sure sure. After India signs some stupid treaties all will be well. India apparently doesn't think it's stupid as it has been trying to join. Was this related to MTCR as well? There is a world of difference between pulling support for something you've already bought versus refusing to...

GeorgeWelch

On the other hand, your lots record is well known. Didn't you do this recently? http://www.news18.com/blogs/india/saurav-jha/india-is-finally-looking-to-enter-the-era-of-armed-drones-10879-995842.html That was neither arbitrary nor surprising. As mentioned in the article, it falls under MCTR which ...

GeorgeWelch

Doesn't that apply to any country? Do what they want and they won't sanction you? Russia's red line is buying from someone they don't like? "Don't play with Billy or I'm going to take all my balls and go home." Since when did Russia get veto authority over India's defense policy? I though...

GeorgeWelch

But I was assured Russia is such good friend and sanction proof . . . they are and will continue to be so long as some red lines are not crossed. Doesn't that apply to any country? Do what they want and they won't sanction you? Russia's red line is buying from someone they don't like? "Don't p...

GeorgeWelch

Philip wrote:The threat of Russia taking back its Akula and other JV programmes is a very real one according to BK if India goes any further with signing on the dotted line,allowing the US to effectively have a foothold on the subcontinent.

But I was assured Russia is such good friend and sanction proof . . .

GeorgeWelch

Yet another report of Rafale deal "Finalized". Now are we sure this one is truly finalized or still pending from another 'banwari''s purse approval? http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rafale-jet-deal-finalised-by-india-and-france-for-7-8-billion-euros-1395958?pfrom=home-lateststories India’s ...

GeorgeWelch

When it comes to defending India, all emotions should be cast aside. If we need 300+ aircraft that can deliver munitions for a certain $$$ cost basis, there are trade offs against the following: (1) technological sophistication...Khan rules (2) availability during war...Russia/EU rules (3) availabi...

GeorgeWelch

The MIG-29 in exercises with the IAF years ago was found superior to the M-2000 Which is why the IAF was so eager to procure more Mirages. Why the Paki F-16s turned tail at Kargil when our MIGs arrived. That was a policy decision by Pakistan. If their pilots had been ordered to fight they would hav...

GeorgeWelch

Austin wrote:Interview with Roscosmos head

‘Looking from outer space, you don't see any borders on Earth’ – Roscosmos head to RT

well . . . .

GeorgeWelch

Lockheed Martin’s ad shows Super Hornet defeating dogfight missile fired by J-20 Lockheed Martin uploaded an ad on Apr. 11 showcasing its high energy laser weapons capabilities. One of the segments show a Super Hornet in a dogfight with a J-20. The Chinese fighter launched a short-range dogfight mi...

GeorgeWelch

It just says 300 aircraft, not 300 fighters.

It might be including other aircraft like trainers.

GeorgeWelch

Meanwhile Russia is selling fighters and subs and SAMs to China, who is decidedly the greater military threat

GeorgeWelch

ShravanP wrote:Haven't we learned anything from post Pokhran sanctions?

Yes, and the lesson is "Don't put all your eggs in one basket"

What happened in the past is past, what happens in the future is uncertain.

What remains constant is that total dependence on one country is foolhardy

GeorgeWelch

Immediate availability and independence of Russia. The use of the word "independence" is a joke really, especially when going for another dependence on someone else ;) Obviously, but still best to not keep all your eggs in one basket, especially a basket that is getting increasingly cozy ...

GeorgeWelch

vishvak wrote:What is it that Rafale or F/A-18 do have each and PAK-FA/FGFA does not have?

Immediate availability and independence of Russia.

GeorgeWelch

Red Flag Alaska coverage from https://twitter.com/livefist

GeorgeWelch

Gyan wrote:India should give up its obsession with "imported" CATS, go for CATOBAR + UAV based AEW

Do you mean STOBAR?

GeorgeWelch

That means little. If we go by this, the F-22 prototype flew before the SH, does that mean much? Nope. The F-18E/F BlkII/III, Mig-35 (once it goes into series production and has a customer delivery), Rafale F3R, Gripen E, and the Typhoon Tranch 2/3 all are significantly more advanced weapons system...

GeorgeWelch

First flight:
MiG-29: 1977
Rafale: 1986
Gripen: 1988
Su-30: 1989
EF: 1994
SH: 1995

GeorgeWelch

What are you babbling about? You seem to lack any ability to read even basic statements. Fact, Russian or western tech - tech absorption takes far too much time to leverage locally. Go read up sometime if you can't even understand this. The question is: what was the purpose of the MRCA? And from th...

GeorgeWelch

That article is utter hogwash. - The competition hasn't even been announced yet so obviously there is no 'short list' - There is nothing about a 65,000 ton aircraft carrier that requires a nuclear plant. - The US is clearly willing to sell pieces (namely EMALS) separately. - There is nothing 'imposs...

GeorgeWelch

But the west had different tech that you couldn't get from Russia. There is no magic tech we can get from anywhere we can incorporate into our own platforms. So its a non sequitur. Of course, you are right, Russia tech is the absolute best in every single area. That was certainly part of it, but th...

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