First off, the EF hasn't been cancelled in favour of the F-35. Italy has been a part of the JSF since its inception and they've already sunk over a billion dollars into the program. And secondly, opting for the F-35 instead of one of the MRCA competitors isn't an option for India, even though it would lead to a more potent fleet.
I never said that the EF program has been cancelled. I stated a fact i.e. Italy has cancelled/reduced its future orders of the Typhoon, as has the RAF.
This fact alone must send alarm bells to all decision makers in the MMRCA process, before siding with the EF. Contrast the above reality with the propoganda the EF members were spreading during the Aero India 2011, of the Tyhpoon being a HIGHLY COST EFFECTIVE platform, and you know youre being taken for a ride.
Further, i never mentioned F35 as an addition to the MMRCA. I bring it up to highlight the fact, that even a founding member nation of the EF platform is choosing the F35 over additional Typhoons - so either the Typhoon is not the Multirole superstar most of you will have us believe or the F35 is far better (or more cost effective ..)
Either ways, the NAO report damns the EF's export potential - the makers and founding nations are themselves running away from this 'white elephant' platform.
Finally, i think everyone here is well aware that we can debate the MMRCA till were blue in the face, no one who matters, cares what us BR forum junkies think how the MMRCA should conclude. I think we all do it out our passion and love for the country/military/aviation.
I am certain, like any other defense deal, the MMRCA too will be dependent on 3 clear variables - PERFORMANCE, PRICE and POLITICS.
They hopefully will choose the best OVERALL product, which balances the various variables.
I for one await the day eagerly, when the acute IAF flight and weapons test details will be made public - i really would love to see how the 6 stack up, as per the IAF's expectations. A nice detailed PERFORMANCE chart, filled with first hand facts, yummy!
'Multirole' (80% Weightage, A2A BVR 20%, A2A WVR 20%, A2G 40%)
1. A2A (Interception, Superiority, Escort)
1A. [BVR - Transonic & Supersonic flight, Turning, TakeOff/landing, AESA Radar, BVR Missile Integration, EW protection suite, Datalink/AWACS support]
1B. [WVR - Agility/Manouverability, Climb Rate, Helmet Mounted Targeting, Pilot Visibility, WVR Missile Integration, IR protection suite, Glass cockpit/HUD features, Gun performance]
2. A2G (Strike, Infantry Support/Anti-Armor, Bombing)
'Medium' (20% Weightage)
3A. Combat Range
3B. Payload
Wonder who will top the PERFORMANCE chart -
my guess, overall Rafale.
The PRICE comparison chart, including the off-set clause, and taking into account maintainence (per flight hour), lifetime cost, not just unit purchase price and future upgrades into account, will be a little more expected. I would wager a guess, in order of most expensive to least:
EF -- Rafale --- MiG35 ---- SHornet - SViper --- Gripen
And finally POLITICS, we can all say what we want, but a few old men/women of the UPA government will be taking this critical decision.
There's a strong case on 'performance' for F16 SV, but the Pak angle kills it frankly. The Gripen IN/NG also makes a strong case, especially on 'price', but too similar to the Tejas Mk2.
Said it before, and will say it again.
Rafale or SuperHornet to nick the MMRCA. (i hope its the Rafale)
