tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post2300428756619180447..comments2024-03-28T05:22:10.255-07:00Comments on Broadsword by Ajai Shukla - Strategy. Economics. Defence.: Hefty Rs 42,000 crore bill for combat aircraft may riseBroadswordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13076780076240598482noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-28006444771300688112011-08-07T21:53:37.979-07:002011-08-07T21:53:37.979-07:00@Deepak Datta
It seems you absolutely gave my pre...@Deepak Datta<br /><br />It seems you absolutely gave my previous post a miss you dont seem to understand the logic of opposition to F-35 JSF. Let me give it another try:<br /><br />1. FGFA, a 30 ton plus 5 generation aircraft will be in service with IAF from early next decade<br /><br />2. AMCA, a 20 ton plus 5 generation aircraft will be in service with IAF from middle of next decade (possibly)<br /><br />So it will not be viable to induct another 30 ton plus 5 generation aircraft, the F-35 JSF into IAF purely on economic reasoning as well as for logistical reasons.<br /><br />If we do need to go for a 3rd 5 generation aircraft, then it should be a 10 ton plus single engine aircraft, then we will have<br /><br />1. FGFA, 2 engine 30 ton plus <br />2. AMCA, 2 engine 20 ton plus<br />3. Future LCA 1 engine 10 ton plus<br /><br />By the way who told you that US tech is far superior to Russian tech. Let me give you some instances<br /><br />1. Entire F-35 JSF has been grounded last week because of some electrical failure in in-flight system<br /><br />2. Entire F-22 (the costliest ever built) has been grounded for over 1 month for issues with oxygen support system. <br /><br />I feel we should give it a new name 'F-22 Ostrich', a bird that cant fly.<br /><br />3. You say Russian tech is inferior to US tech, its said some years back CIA stole the blueprint of Zhuk Phazotron AESA radar from Russia, if the US was so ahead of Russia why it steal the blueprints.<br /><br />My giving these point a though<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Joydeep Ghoshjoydeep ghoshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00038225081192821456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-3976570896227428412011-08-07T19:25:54.491-07:002011-08-07T19:25:54.491-07:00@ Deepak Datta -
Sir, you have touched a very raw...@ Deepak Datta -<br /><br />Sir, you have touched a very raw nerve by bringing up chacha Nehru's misplaced statesmanship vis-a-vis the UNSC seat :) :)<br /><br />As for the greencards, there is now a thriving business in China for "birth tourism". Chinese women who are about 7 months pregnant go to visit the US for 3 months, and stay in Chinese run brithing centres, so that their babies are born with US citizenship. Tangential information, but interesting I think :)Heberiannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-64811965446769333132011-08-07T01:25:09.906-07:002011-08-07T01:25:09.906-07:00There is some thing very interesting. In blogs, ne...There is some thing very interesting. In blogs, news web sites comments etc there seems to be a lot of US bashing or aspirations being cast on US's intention vis-a-vis India. But I have a million dollar question: if there are 10 green cards sitting on a table. Along with its Russian equivalents, how many US green cards would be left on the table after 10 persons are given an option? <br /><br />The answer unequivocally would be ZERO. I do not wish to disparage Russia, which helped India in the past. However, in a indo-Sino conflict it cannot be counted on to assist India. Folks, the Chinese dragon and its proxy Pakistan are encircling India and preparing for a surprise attack. There would not be a Chinese attack with Pakistan jumping in to tie-up the focus in the North and Western borders.<br /><br />Foreign policy wonks were wrong in 1962 and they are wrong today that Chinese have peaceful intentions. Chinese is becoming a threat to the wor,ld peace and is a grave threat to all its neighbors.Deepak Dattanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-31036661901856094552011-08-07T01:13:26.897-07:002011-08-07T01:13:26.897-07:00@ 6 Aug 10:15 Joydeep Ghosh
Could you please cite...@ 6 Aug 10:15 Joydeep Ghosh<br /><br />Could you please cite the "operational freedom" India stands to lose by Signing CISMOA, BECA, and other agreements?<br /><br />These are baseless red herrings devoid of any facts. India must not miss the bus this time. In late 50's US offered India a seat in the security council, India refused, suspecting hidden agendas of US, which there were none. US was simply aligning and recognizing a democratic country. PM Nehru, asked US to offer that seat to China first?.<br /><br />We continued our alignment with the soviets and turned into pseudo-communist socialist policies and that in turn brought US closer to Pakistan. <br /><br />US stuck its neck out for India in the US India nuke deal. US truly recognizes the grave threat posed by brutal communist Chinese regime and is offered India these arms to defend her self when the Chinese attack would occur. It is not a question of when and not if Chinese would attack India along with Pakistan. India would do well to beef up its defensive capabilities.<br /><br />200-250 F35s would go a long way in achieving that goal without giving up ANY operational freedom. This should be even if India inducts PAK/FA T-50 FGFA, which undoubtedly would be inferior to the F35 based on historical performance of Soviet/Rus/Ian aircraft.<br /><br />The question to be answered if, does not want to be a true regional and global power? If yes, then US and her allies are the best bet for India.<br /><br />Is it unfair for US to ensure that their world class technologies be protecting? Absolutely not.Deepak Dattanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-13122794558131349722011-08-06T07:10:26.750-07:002011-08-06T07:10:26.750-07:00I totally Agree with you Me. deepak datta. I think...I totally Agree with you Me. deepak datta. I think india not buying F-35 is to do with paranoid and to some extend corrupt Babus of MoD. <br />Countries never have permanent friends or foes. Every country has to assess and change its outlook on basis of developing Geo-political scenario & economic trends for welfare and safety of its citizens.<br /><br />American and Indian interest are converging and likely to remain same for at least next 3 to 4 decades. So It is opportunity to bolster Military ties.<br /><br />India need american technology in all fields whether it is defense or agriculture or healthcare and deeping defense ties are always seen as evidence of trust between two nations. Israel followed this policy and used american technology to grow militarily and economically.Pawanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11374212374465833368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-88461752592531932372011-08-05T21:42:41.411-07:002011-08-05T21:42:41.411-07:00@ Deepak Datta
this is in reference to your last ...@ Deepak Datta<br /><br />this is in reference to your last post. As you said not country will supply sensitive tech to other countries lest it falls into other countries hand (you say Russia, I say blah). <br /><br />How can you expect India (IAF) to sign CISMOA, BECA and other agreements and give up operational independence, in return for technology.<br /><br />As for what you said about Mirage 2000, please refer to what i said in my last post. I think that will be more plausible explanation.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Joydeep Ghoshjoydeep ghoshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00038225081192821456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-43438649798138910602011-08-05T21:34:20.246-07:002011-08-05T21:34:20.246-07:00@ Anonymous 18:51
Thanks for endorsing my point o...@ Anonymous 18:51<br /><br />Thanks for endorsing my point of view. I feel that the Mirage 2000 upgrade contract that has been signed for completion in 10 years has got some thing thats' not being said.<br /><br />Even the Mig 29 upgrades are expected to be over by 2018, I strongly feel that this long period has been decided taking into account the sale of 68 Mirage 2000 from UAE by France to a 3rd country replacing them with Rafales (possibly India) as and when UAE agree to buy the Rafales. <br /><br />As for 38 Greek Mirage 2000 (the last in production line) there is very good chance we can lay hands on them provided MoD does not procastinate like it did on Varyag (it went to China for US $20 million). <br /><br />Add 52+68+38=158, after putting 42 upgraded planes exclusively for SFC we will still have more than 5 squadrons of Mirage 2000 at our disposal, till the time FGFA, AMCA induction starts and HAL supplies 140 LCA and 272 Sukhoi 30MKI. <br /><br />This will also allow us to reduce the number of planes bought under MMRCA (post benchmarking)<br /><br />As for our viewpoint not being taken in to account, thing is we are common man discussing things, an common mans view holds no place in power circles. sigh!!!<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Joydeep Ghoshjoydeep ghoshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00038225081192821456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-82368696852944043672011-08-05T18:53:13.234-07:002011-08-05T18:53:13.234-07:00@ Anonymous Aug 3,2011 21:03
A10 Thunderbolt II ...@ Anonymous Aug 3,2011 21:03<br /><br />A10 Thunderbolt II -"Warthog" is a close air support, ground attack aircraft of the US Airforce. A10 was inducted in US Airforce in 1972, over 716 were produced and the last plane was manufactured in 1984. US is the sole operator of the aircraft, as they were never sold to another country.<br /><br />A-10 Thunderbolt II uses the GAU-8/A Avenger, a 30 mm, seven-barrel Gatling-type rotary cannon as its main weapon. The plane carries 1150 of the uranium depleted rounds firing at either 3900 rounds per minutes bursts with devastating effects. The plane is also used as a forward air controller (FAC). 367 A10s are currently in service with the US Air force and Air force reserve. They are due to be replaced by F35-JSF in 2028.<br /><br />Since, A10 is not an available option, we must conclude the trials for AH-64D Block III Apache Longbow helicopters along with AGM-114 HEllfire Longbow and Hellfire II missiles, Stinger air-to-air Block I-92H missiles. <br /><br />Current projections of 28 helicopters is grossly inadequate. India needs 70-90 of these lethal helicopters to form a credible army aviation wings that would move with our strike forces. These helicopters have a proven track record of its unmatched lethality and performance. The Apache on offer to India is the latest version, with all current US Apaches being upgraded to this standard. Deepak Dattanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-869560114860109052011-08-05T06:21:48.661-07:002011-08-05T06:21:48.661-07:00Joydeep, I've also been suggesting the M2K pur...Joydeep, I've also been suggesting the M2K purchase from UAE & Greece. Unfortunately, our view don't count and the IAF idiots still prefer to wait for 10-15 years for 'new' jets to come on line while their jets and pilots fall from the sky.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-82949839788525058222011-08-05T04:02:13.400-07:002011-08-05T04:02:13.400-07:00Just a reminder to every one, the Mirage 2000 was ...Just a reminder to every one, the Mirage 2000 was not that "potent" during Kargil "Safed Sagar" in 1999, became operation "Vijay" only after Israelis showed up with laser guide precision munitions for Mirage which "helped turn the war" in India's favour according to the Israeli Ambassador, Mark Sofer. We also must not forget that US gave its tacit approval for the Israeli action in a sign of emerging friendly relations between the two natural allies.<br /><br />Sales of Phalcon AWACs and other high tech defence products have only happened due to US approval.<br /><br />We must expedite our efforts to get F35A, the world's only fit generation multi-role stealth fighter. Every thing eels is just waste of time. If we truly wanted to upgrade Mirages, we would have bought Mirage 2000-9 available for sale from UAE and Mirage 2000-5 Mark 2 from Greece. Mirage 2000-9 being the most sophisticated Mirage 2000 vaiant and Mirage 2000-5 Mark 2 is what we would get starting in 4 years with all 52 being completed in 10 years. Is there a logic in MODs decision? Absolutely not. <br /><br />CAG should investigate this matter now, before it is too late. Some one should raise this matter in the current parliament.<br /><br />According to some reports, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, in her latest visit offered F35 to India on "unbelievable" both on price and delivery schedule. Eurofighter and Rafale, the down-selected MMRCA candidates are still going to be a non-stealthy 4.5 gratin aircraft. All we need to sign is the CISMOA and BECA enabling agreements necessary for hi-tech transfer. Over 60 countries have signed these agreements with US to access world class technologies. Even Pakistan has signed these agreements with US before they received the P3C Orion and F16 C/D Block 52 aircraft. All Nato countries, Japan, South Korea and every other country receiving US arms have signed it. <br /><br />Some bureaucrats in Indian establishment do not support the growing strategic Indo-US relationship and thus are causing roadblocks Ike recommending against signing these agreements by propagating preposterous implications of signing these agreements, like our equipment would be turned off by US during a war with Pakistan. How dumb can some one be by suggesting these stories? Let me very clear, even if we use the sub-standard equipment from BEL etc, US has technologies to intercept any frequencies if it were to ever desire, which it has no reason to. India needs to step. Out and shake off coldwar paranoia and embrace in a strong strategic partnership based on equality and mutual trust.<br /><br />Our continued reluctance in signing these routine agreements creates doubts in US regarding our sincerity in safe guarding their technology. Enough already! Deepak Dattanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-17963571028189526162011-08-05T01:38:18.742-07:002011-08-05T01:38:18.742-07:00Combat Aircraft’s latest air power update finds US...Combat Aircraft’s latest air power update finds US Naval Aviation in the year of its 100th anniversary celebrations.Slot Machineshttp://www.slotmachines.org/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-14195926498093871022011-08-03T08:33:04.164-07:002011-08-03T08:33:04.164-07:00The A-10 is what India needs in addition to MMRCA:...The A-10 is what India needs in addition to MMRCA: it will tear up paki tanks in the Thar desert by the dozen in minutes. It is going to stay in US service till 2028. Can get a 50 for a 1 Billion $ US. <br /><br />It's performance in the Gulf war was spectacular. From Wikipedia: <br /><br />"The A-10 was used in combat for the first time during the Gulf War in 1991, destroying more than 900 Iraqi tanks, 2,000 military vehicles, and 1,200 artillery pieces. A-10s shot down two Iraqi helicopters with the GAU-8 cannon. The first of these was an Iraqi helicopter shot down by Captain Robert Swain over Kuwait on 6 February 1991, marking the A-10's first air-to-air victory.[66] Four A-10s were shot down during the war, all by surface-to-air missiles. Another three battle-damaged A-10s and OA-10As returned to base but were written off, some sustaining additional damage in crashed landings.[67][68][69] The A-10 had a mission capable rate of 95.7%, flew 8,100 sorties, and launched 90% of the AGM-65 Maverick missiles fired in the conflict.[70] Shortly after the Gulf War, the Air Force gave up on the idea of replacing the A-10 with a close air support version of the F-16.[71]"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-8810223584904729832011-08-03T07:26:30.738-07:002011-08-03T07:26:30.738-07:00If for a time everyone forgets about the problems ...If for a time everyone forgets about the problems and weaknesses of F-35 and starts talking in favor of the inclusion of F-35 in the IAF and cancellation of MMRCA, then the prices of F-35 may further go up with demand and the EFT/Rafale will be more and more stretched either to provide the better TOT or to reduce their bloated prices to the affordable levels. This may be a great service to the nation.Mr. Ranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-1260788516384786222011-08-03T05:55:19.002-07:002011-08-03T05:55:19.002-07:00That reaction is understandable given the pace at ...That reaction is understandable given the pace at which cost estimates are rising. However, what got lost in the exchange was the distinction between estimates and actual costs. The more you examine the program’s track record to date and the methods utilized to calculate future costs, the less clear the program’s real price-tag becomes. In terms of the track record so far, the contractor has repeatedly delivered early production planes for less than the Pentagon estimated they would cost, and its internal projection is that it will be able to market the most common version of the p lane at about the same price that its F-16 fighter currently sells for overseas – about $65 million each..<br /><br />The above is from the blog post on Forbes.com<br />http://f-35.ca/2011/massive-cost-estimate-for-fighter-program-is-misleading/Deepak Dattanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-79015398641354838652011-08-03T05:31:59.908-07:002011-08-03T05:31:59.908-07:00JSF Projected Sales.
9 participating countries in...JSF Projected Sales.<br /><br />9 participating countries in the F35- Joint Strike Fighter, world's ONLY fifth generation multi-role stealth fighter program, US, UK, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, and Turkey alone have signed on for 3173 F35 variants through 2035, in the MOU signed in 2006. Israel is placing confirmed orders for 40 F35s with a projected need for 100 plus aircraft to replace its F16s. Japan, Korea, Singapore have all expressed solid interest. The remaining NATO countries and US allies would more than like will all end up buying F35.<br /><br />Let me share my logic behind my initial estimate of F35 sales. It is based on the historical sales data of F15, F16, and F18 aircraft which F35 intends to replace in conjunction with the F22 Raptor.<br /><br />Since 1975, 1534 F-15A/B/C/D/E/J/DJ Eagle and Strike Eagle Fighters were produced. Saudi Arabia has just placed an order of 84 F15SA jets<br /><br />Since 1976, 4450 F16-Fighting Falcon multi-role aircraft were produced and production for export orders for Turkey, Pakistan, Morocco, Egypt, and iraq is underway.<br /><br />Since 1978, 1478, F/A-18A/B/C/D Hornet multi-role fighter were produced.<br />In addition, 630 F/A-18 E/F/G Super Hornet versions have been produced. <br />Canadian has built 138 F/A F18 Hornets.<br /><br />That brings the total number of F15s, F16s & F18s produced so far to 8230. Therefore a number of 4,500 F35s being produced is a credible estimate by me. Cheers!Deepak Dattanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-4815086371933423772011-08-03T05:28:34.174-07:002011-08-03T05:28:34.174-07:00Does it really matter what the amours in the marke...Does it really matter what the amours in the market say about the F35 price, if India gets an iron clad guaranteed price and delivery schedule? No, it does not. Any new program incurs delays and hurdles in the development process. Luckily, the most technologically advanced country, United States of America, is leading the project to build it. The aircraft in all its three variants is making great progress. Two full production aircraft have already been delivered to the US Airforce 33rd. squadron for pilot training. 31 production planes are under construction at the LM plant in Texas.<br /><br />Just an update. Now two F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighters have been delivered at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida during July 2011. The aircraft are the first two full production models and not prototypes, and were delivered to the 33rd Fighter Wing for immediate induction and commencement of training. This should take care of the naysayers who doubted if the JSF would materialise any time soon.<br /><br />F35 JSF Lightening II, is the only fifth generation multi-role air dominance aircraft out there. Today is the world of BVR warfare. Long before F35 is even detected, it would vanquish its enemies and be long gone. Why give IAF second or third best, when THE best aircraft might be available, provided CISMOA and End User agreements are signed. There is a plan to produce over 4500 F35s. India is surrounded by enemies with growing capabilities.<br /><br />Folks, there is no comparison between Eurofighter/Rafale/SU30MKI etc with the worlds most advanced stealth fighter/GA aircraft available out there for sale. F22 Raptor is not for export.<br /><br />Eurofighter deal does bring EADS experience and technologies not just for the MMRCA for for across the board aviation related benefits. However, we need a strategic partnership with US to protect our strategic interests. India should sign the CISMOA and other enabling agreements for the transfer of most sensitive US technologies to India. There is no point getting the C130J-30s, P8I-Poseidon and other Technology platforms without the full fledged equipment. <br /><br />No country would share their crown jewel technology without safeguards and end use monitoring to prevent it falling in the wrong (Russian) hands. In the event of any hostilities with China, Pakistan would surely jump in fro the West and the North, we would need inter-operability with US, which is the only country likely to intervene in our favor. Too much is being listened to the foreign policy wonks regarding lack of China's posture against us. These same people were wrong leading up to 1962 and they are wrong nowDeepak Dattanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-1483461548750257382011-08-03T04:56:45.391-07:002011-08-03T04:56:45.391-07:00Very very interesting blog post on Forbes.com rega...Very very interesting blog post on Forbes.com regarding F35 that backs up the $65-70Million flyaway cost that LM rep in India quoted. It is still not too late to plavce the order with F35-World's only fifth generation stealth multirole fighter.<br /><br />http://blogs.forbes.com/beltway/2011/06/27/massive-cost-estimate-for-fighter-program-is-misleading/Deepak Dattanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-86250963428669135202011-08-02T22:48:43.327-07:002011-08-02T22:48:43.327-07:00@anon18.03: ask IAF to rewrite its QR ! Selection ...@anon18.03: ask IAF to rewrite its QR ! Selection process, remember ? Read the DPP and you may understand.Nikitanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-50852252234286462372011-08-02T19:28:15.591-07:002011-08-02T19:28:15.591-07:00"In 2011, the Pentagon's top weapons buye..."In 2011, the Pentagon's top weapons buyer Ashton Carter said that the new $133 million price per aircraft was not affordable."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-26435673614966961762011-08-02T19:25:53.119-07:002011-08-02T19:25:53.119-07:00In 2010, Pentagon officials disclosed that the F-3...In 2010, Pentagon officials disclosed that the F-35 program has exceeded its original cost estimates by more than 50 percent. An internal Pentagon report critical of the JSF project states that "affordability is no longer embraced as a core pillar". On 24 March, Gates termed the recent cost overruns and delays as "unacceptable" in a testimony before the U.S. Congress. He characterized previous cost and schedule estimates for the project as "overly rosy".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-85495085925109943792011-08-02T19:25:21.933-07:002011-08-02T19:25:21.933-07:00On 11 March 2010, a report from the Government Acc...On 11 March 2010, a report from the Government Accountability Office to United States Senate Committee on Armed Services projected the overall unit cost of an F-35A to be $112M in today's money.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-6137891096852629782011-08-02T19:17:03.655-07:002011-08-02T19:17:03.655-07:00Cancelling the MRCA contest at this stage could dr...Cancelling the MRCA contest at this stage could drag this acquisition program on endlessly. In fact it could become like the artillery acquisition program for the Indian Army, where tenders are cancelled after extensive evaluation, and the soldiers are left with nothing to fight with.<br /><br />As far as the F 35 goes Shukla's price quote of $60-$65 million is nothing but complete deception. it is difficult for me to believe that a smart and informed guy like Shukla can the so disconnected with reality when it comes to the price of this aircraft. <br /><br /><br />The price of this aircraft is at least twice as much even per Wikipedia. a number of countries which are acquiring this aircraft like Australia, Canada, the UK, Norway, and even in the US there has been widespread consistent and intense criticism of this program. The UK has decided to not buy any vertical takeoff and landing variant. It has reduced its order from 170 to 50 aircraft. the Harper government in Canada has come under tremendous political pressure and criticism for backing this deal. in Australia the government's decision to go for the F 35 and not wait for the F-22 has drawn intense flak. Norway is considering an open competition where the F 35 would be evaluated against other modern aircraft, which will surely reveal that it is an aerodynamic dud. The Defence Secretary in the US has made it official that the vertical takeoff variant of this program will be permanently cancelled unless all the technical issues are sorted out within 2 years.<br /><br /><br />And the currently estimated price of $120 million is only an estimate, it is not the final price. This is the price assuming that will suddenly start meeting all of its milestones, each and every one of which it has failed to meet in the past. Lockheed has gone back to the Pentagon 4 times to ask for more money than was sanctioned for the development of this aircraft. <br /><br />The problem with the F 35 is that too much was demanded from the aircraft designer: a supersonic vertical takeoff tri-service stealth bomb truck. Not even America can defy the laws of physics. <br /><br />When you design an aircraft to combine the qualities of multiple different aircrafts, sometimes you end up with an aircraft which combines the weaknesses of all the aircraft it was supposed to replace. That aircraft is the F 35. the one thing which truly destroyed the program was the requirement for vertical takeoff and landing, because that forces in a tremendous number of design constraints on the designer. They had to fit it with a massive single-engine to generate enough thrust to lift vertically. As a consequence the fuselage is extremely big to accommodate both the massive engine and enough fuel to give it at least some range. this creates tremendous drag. The turning performance of this airframe per official Lockheed Martin figures is worse than the big and bulky F 4 Phantom from the Vietnam War. the aircraft requires a hundred hours on the ground for every one hour of flight. <br /><br />I could go on and on about why the F 35 program is a failure, but that information is freely available to all who are interested in looking at it. I am baffled by how consistently and intensely Shukla has made a case for the F 35 for for the IAF. No other journalist has done so. From the quality of his writing, I know that Shukla is a patriot, and an extremely sharp guy, therefore, it is logical for people to suspect that his case for the F 35 is not a case of simple and innocent misinformation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-21701937975675681732011-08-02T14:52:01.347-07:002011-08-02T14:52:01.347-07:00ajai, can you tell us how and how exactly, despite...ajai, can you tell us how and how exactly, despite ITAR laws, US will give India TOT for the JSF? they are not willing to customize israeli planes with israeli eqpt, have haggled with UK (a closer ally than middle of the way india) for software codes. its not all about price but also about independence of choice when it comes to sustaining the product.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-10534984578557086772011-08-02T11:29:08.556-07:002011-08-02T11:29:08.556-07:00Why don't we cancel the MMRCA contract, avoid ...Why don't we cancel the MMRCA contract, avoid the F-35 and spend the money on pucca housing and clean drinking water for the poor instead?Jholamannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-14506515543409164972011-08-02T05:33:08.592-07:002011-08-02T05:33:08.592-07:00Irrespective of whether or not anyone agrees with ...Irrespective of whether or not anyone agrees with Ajai's JSF argument, the point is that the MMRCA shortlist is deeply dubious. Why select two of the most expensive radars both of which have underdeveloped desktop radars ? It makes NO sense.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com