I'd dispute that. Especially if one assumes that they have limitations in funding. The Russians for example provided the kind of access the west would never have contemplated right through the 90s.
There is huge difference what was given and what could have been given.
True the USSR (NOT Russia) provided a good deal of assistance, but, they too held back a great deal (for good reason and it is their prerogative). (BTW, I have a few stories that you will not relish about the MiG-21s.) And, IF Russia was THAT good I doubt India would have floated multiple tenders for spares. Again, it is just business. But, all things said I am not going to complain about that era. Past.
As usual the issues are being confused. I am not arguing that India will not get good stuff, just that even the good stuff will very quickly be out dated and India will have to go back to the Europeans to get more. Which they will provide, but at an additional cost. MMRCA will NOT solve the granular issues that India has. It nor the FGFA will help in making India independent - if anyone feels that a way. NOT possible. That is my point.
While I can't produce paperwork to back it up, I'm convinced the EF consortium will give India access that will justify its investment. The US on the other hand, perhaps because of Cold War era mentality, will not. If the Astra or Sudarshan were to be mated to the SH, you can bet your pants it would be done by Raytheon and Boeing with only a token participation by DRDO.
Plenty of points here.
On investment: I agree. I have to, that was my point too. Just that when the time comes to upgrade, guess what: investment. Again. Back to France or EADS. Which is OK, I am not complaining. Just saying that India is still got that hook in the mouth.
I have been of the opinion - for 10 years or so - that the US will be forced to do things they will otherwise would not be willing to. How much, I could not say. But that Bruce Riedel has come around to saying Indo-US axis, is enough for the time being. That old thinking will have to change on both sides. IMHO, circumstances will force the issue. Prarabdha? Dunno.
I do not see technical issues being a roadblock.
So if I may borrow your simplification - if the US is at Gen 4, provides equipment at Gen 3 and technology at Gen 2, the Europeans will provide equipment and technology at Gen 3.
Do not know what you are saying. But, as far as certain techs go, EU is a Gen 0 right now, going to Gen 1. What they give or do not I will wait and see.
And yes, getting those technologies doesn't mean the technological gap can simply be leapfrogged, but it certainly makes it lot easier for domestic research into derivative and alternative technologies. Radars obtained from Israel being a good example of that.
What has Israeli radars done? Have they given India all the research data?
May be they have, I do not know. But I doubt India can go on her own in any field outside of LCA types. I am placing my hopes on the AMCA. Let us see.