DRDO's MPATGM program has been launched quite some time back precisely because Spike was delayed.
I have posted the talk by their production partner on the Missile Thread.
Question is why was Spike was delayed.
Second, the Spike deal as delayed not because of DRDO but because, as usual, the vendor tried to wiggle out of TOT considerations.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ind ... 544556.cms
This is not a new thing:Official sources in New Delhi had earlier indicated that the proposal to acquire the missile system faced hurdles when Israeli side apparently expressed reservations in ensuring full transfer of technology as per the provisions of the 'Make in India' initiative.
BEL had long been in talks with Rafael to produce its IIR seekers in India, beginning with those for the Python-5.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/tod ... 989958.ece
The deal was stuck interminably because Rafael did NOT want a GOI owned venture to have the lead stake in a venture. They were worried India would use the tech for its own missiles and they'd lose a good potential revenue stream and their unique advantage.
So the plan went nowhere.
The sticking point in this deal, would again have been two things - the seeker tech & presumably the Spike specific guidance scheme with its fiber optics and software.
Third, now that DRDO has made progress on the Nag front with FPAs from Sofradir, the Israelis are now suddenly available to provide TOT at the "right price". DRDO/MOD quite justifiably figured out the TOT deal would involve lock-in to the proprietary Israeli tech & furthermore divert funds from the MPATGM program.
Further, the Israeli TOT would likely go to some special JV with a first time private partner, in short, ensuring BDL/BEL etc couldn't leverage that tech for future DRDO programs on the side.
Fourth, hence the current proposal to take Spikes without TOT but under a Govt to Govt deal to meet urgent operational considerations but without giving an over the top freebie to Israel.
A plus for Netanyuhu and optics is just icing on the cake.
Cosmo_R wrote:
1. DRDO objected. Got the PSU unions to throw their weight around. MoD wobbled because it's what they do.
2. COAS Bipin Rawat intervened to argue that Indian infantry would be at disadvantage to Pakis if they had to wait until 2022 for first deliveries from DRDO?BDL whatever and they need a stopgap
3. Netanhayu needed a win locally in Israel so the deal was that he 'intervened' with his friend NaMo to overrule MoD/DRDO
4. So, DRDO dropped its objections (get this ) if there was no 'ToT' involved
5. Price was reduced since no 'ToT' was involved
6. Netanyahu get a win, NaMo gets a reduced (50%) price for the same number of missiles because no 'ToT'
SHQ gets to cook you a great dinner.
All sources are public (Google). Just put the various nuggets together and it's a meal. Ironies are side dishes.