Philip wrote:Those who think that the USA is a-ready-and-a-willing to sell us its latest tech,dream on.If he US is so unwilling even to share JSF tech with its poodle,the UK,leading to much heartburn between the "cousins,imagine what pain-in-the-butt India (as described by US analysts) will get! India is not even ranked on the same scale as Pakistan,a "non-NATO ally".Therefore,unless we abdicate our entire foreign and defence policy and subjugate ourselves to Uncle Sam,by singing on every kind of agreement that the US wants-in other words becoming US catamites or "converts", in every sense of the word,we will be at the receiving end of sanctions,irritants,delays,etc.At the same time,Pakistan will also be provided with enhanced weaponry to deal with India! So if we get F-18Shs,don't think that the US will not sell Pak F-15 Super-Eagles or even the JSF at later date to please its faourite rent-boy for performing tricks on the Af-Pak frontier.
This is the political price that the GOI should carefully think about before considering buying major US weapon systems which are force multipliers.Buying a few transports,etc. is enough to keep the hungry US manufacturers happy,provided that they are cost-effective.The Hercules is an excellent medium transport-the best,but I'm not so sure about the C-17s.WE do not need so many of them unless we plan to invade Oz!
Catamites !?
I dont think its fair to characterize the US with such derision !!
"Non-NATO ally" etc are all phrases that mean little. India is referred to as an "ally" also without even signing a document or treaty to that effect. Do you presently feel like a vassal of Uncle Sam ? Ranking is meaningless. India is not a child competing for affection from its father to be "ranked" !
The US is willing to sell India the F18 SH and transfer some of its tech, which even by today's standards is a very advanced piece of technology in the world and would greatly add value to the Indian Air Force and Indian Aviation industry. And do this despite not signing the NPT, the CTBT and having tested nuclear weapons. Name another nation that the US has allowed so much leeway in supplying such high end technology ? Even the mutual defense agreements have been tailored to meet India's specific needs in many cases. This demonstrates the level of trust that exists between the two nations.
The sale of military equipment to the Pakistanis is a strategic consideration of US policy rather than an economic consideration. Also, I doubt the US has ever sold the Pakistanis ANY military equipment that has altered the balance of power in the subcontinent in their favor. If the US were to sell the Pakis JSF's or Tomahawk cruise missiles or give them some other strategic ability then some of this criticism would be warranted but for selling them a dozen or so Blk 52's, this makes no sense! If the US were to abandon Pakistan, the situation would only exacerbate problems for the US and India also. As it is, due to the relations between the US and India, the Pakistanis have sought more and more Chinese equipment, negating the US hold on the Pakistani ability to wage war.
The C17s may not appear to be a prudent buy but I doubt you can point out an aircraft with similar capabilities that would serve the Indian Air force just as well in the future. US equipment may be pricey and come with a few strings attached but nobody can deny that they by far the best tools for the job they perform. I think 10 aircraft is actually too little considering that the Indian military has close to a 1.5 million men, 5000 tanks etc spread out over nearly 3 million square kilometers with dismal roadways and rail infrastructure. An reasonable order for the Indian Air Force would be no less than 25 C17s to actually come close to getting the kind of logistical flexibility a modern military in the 21st century truly needs.
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The F 35 can even attack fighters on its 6'o clock. 