tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post1017977627001161409..comments2024-03-28T05:22:10.255-07:00Comments on Broadsword by Ajai Shukla - Strategy. Economics. Defence.: Join in... The Big Fighter Aircraft Debate: F-35 versus Gen-4: What is better for India?Broadswordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13076780076240598482noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-47191300388707170702010-11-23T00:14:05.793-08:002010-11-23T00:14:05.793-08:00rafale is best option.rafale is best option.PRANAV UNDALKARnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-81906459791748847912010-11-02T23:56:29.762-07:002010-11-02T23:56:29.762-07:00@Heberian,
My friend when I made the mention of Mi...@Heberian,<br />My friend when I made the mention of Mig21 bison, I made in the context of tech upgrades based on clear roles and making the right decisions. The point I wanted to make is that MIG21 being an old airframe post the upgrade could really give a tough time to the falcons and Eagles (As far as I remember the reports).<br />I am sure all of us understand that mere technology can not win wars, it requires right training, role fit and environment awarenss too.<br /><br />The refrence to Indica is in terms of our own technological expertise in producing a car and planning to build a super car/Super bike(Bugati/Dicati) when we are producing just about 3rd egenration cars.<br />Col Shukla,<br />That said, I am still of the opinion(not that it matters) that F35 however fancy it may be(Stealth) can not carry too much weight in undercarriage. the bombs will have to be loaded on to pylons and there goes the stealth.<br /><br />If the requirement is A2G then there is one more truck doing that job - Rafale, in the current MRCA. In the end as ACM - PV NAIK said, We must consolidate our assortmenrt of aircarft to 2-3 types and for FGFA we have chosen PAKFA. For point defence(ooops Light fighter) we have LCA and we need to fill the gap. As I said we need numbers right now(55 Sqds) with the right infusion of new technology - FGFA to impregnate(sorry Breach) the Chinese air defences). We would require fighters that can manage the S300 and have longer combat radius. may be we need to build up 'Nirbhay' in large numbers and induct them like today evening.<br />F35, however fancy it may be does not fulfill the role Col shukla is advocating. US itself is going ti continue use the 400+ SH for another 25/30 Years. F22(Raptor) was initially supposed to be inducted in 300 numbers. Only 187 inducted :)<br /><br />Don't forget the half of the claimed benefits/ features of stealthe on these are pure bells and whistles. Radar tech will just catch up by tomorrow morning.Brahamvakyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05864729826013229860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-72360284015244394502010-11-02T07:39:18.660-07:002010-11-02T07:39:18.660-07:00@ Kat: Oh Kat!!! :)
Col. Shukla, some thoughts yo...@ Kat: Oh Kat!!! :)<br /><br />Col. Shukla, some thoughts you have surely considered:<br /><br />1) How much can the F35 carry internally (including AA missiles for self-defence) for the advantage against massed Chinese "low tech" a/c's?<br /><br />2) It seems unlikely that India will ever initiate war against China. So, like '62, the probability that China will initiate war is higher. In that scenario, what use will our forward bases be, if the Chinese chose to replicate the '67 Israeli pre-emptive strike on the Egyptian air force?<br /><br />3) With admittedly limited weapons load in "stealth" mode, what will the F35 do when the cheap and numerous Chinese Airforce defends, following a theoratical strike on the Qinghai-Lhasa railway line or any other ground target?<br /><br />4) What will the F35 do when the increasingly sophosticated and numerous anti-aircraft defences in the TAR and in AKsai Chin go into action? <br /><br />You are right that the IAF like all airforces have a "fighter jock" mentality. I rememeber th brouhaha over ACM Major's appointment. And it is partly to address this thinking that the current USAF chief is a transport pilot. And I will admit that my sympathies lie with the "fighter jocks"... it is different :), though not necessarily the best material for unbiased air warfare strategy.<br /><br />That said, the debtae on the MMRCA being replaced by the F35 for the IAF still is not wise. In the USAF strategy of air dominance followed by ground attack, with the assets needed to support this strategy, the F35 might be a good fit. For us, we have too many gaps to deploy the F35 against an adversary like China. We just cannot use that a/c in serious numbers against the Chinese. What we need is, as you rightly mentioned, good ground attack capability in high altitude regions, backed by air dominance. Not a plane that is high tech as long as its weapons load is low, and becomes an unarmed sitting duck the minute the ground attack load is delivered. My seven cents says that what we need for our eastern borders is the Gripen NG, in large numbers... complemented by the Sukhois and LCA's and air-to-air refuelling and lots of RT on the ground.<br /><br />If China chooses to attack first, it will make sure that our AIr Force will have to fly long distances to support the army. <br /><br />In a Democratic administration, I think the chances of the US "supporting" India, as you said, is unlikely. We forget that the US is, above all, very self-centred (and rightly so). They will hedge their bets rather than put all eggs in an uncommitted Indian basket that they cant really hope to control anyway. Therefore, I dont think we will get the kind of leash that Israel is getting. Besides, support for Israel is not just about Iran, it is institutional in the US. We are not there.<br /><br />Therefore, I respectfully differ with your case for the F35, while still remaining a fan, and enjoying the free flow of wise outrage and advice you have provoked. Cheers :)Heberiannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-67505051623800511012010-11-02T03:45:25.793-07:002010-11-02T03:45:25.793-07:00Hi Ajay,
Seems you are not aware of all the requi...Hi Ajay,<br /><br />Seems you are not aware of all the requirements of IAF and why IAF is going for MMRCA. <br /><br />This deal is to fill the gap between LCA and MKI's. <br /><br />Have you atleast thought about Technology Transfer if in case we go for JSF....Will uncle sam provide technology transter to New Delhi and will uncle sam give permission for nuclear strike using JSF....<br /><br />For your information PAK-FA will be more cheaper than JSF and we will have full technology transfter from RUS.<br /><br />seems this is kind of taking my intrest away from your blog which i am still a big fan off.<br /><br />Expecting answers from Broadsword..?Indian Defence Informationhttp://indiandefenceinformation.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-67036056569927176662010-11-01T13:22:54.559-07:002010-11-01T13:22:54.559-07:00I would take it a step further and ask why isn'...I would take it a step further and ask why isn't IAF building a multi layered force? Close Air Support, medium range bombers, long range bombers, Air to Ground planes and air-to-air fighter jets. Right now, all we seem to have is fighter jets and MMCRA will add to that. Look at every recent US operations on ground. US forces can pulverize most less-equipped forces with CAS (A-10 Warthog). Where are our close air support planes? An A-10 costs probably 1/8 the price of a F-35 and much less glamorous but it does a phenomenal job of clearing enemy tank and infantry units. Except for China, most other forces in the region are not as well equipped as India and we are more likely to need CAS than traditional air-to-air combat planes on our borders with Pakistan and China. Remember Kargil? IAF was hacking those fighter jets for CAS. How did we forget those lessons? In the end, India should not take it's eyes off building indigenous capability to produce all sorts of weaponry and armament but in the meanwhile, dealing with the US might be a necessary evil.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-25759875160850596402010-11-01T12:59:32.465-07:002010-11-01T12:59:32.465-07:00Ajai,
Here in Canada, Government has decided to b...Ajai,<br /><br />Here in Canada, Government has decided to buy 65 F-35 planes for 9billion $ and additional 7-8 billion $ for training and maintenance purpose. In effect all 65 planes costed about 16-17 billion $. People have started questioning the deal asking do we really needed it now......<br /><br />Canada would had its own aero-industry if they had not killed their own Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow<br />program. Please dont allow Tejas to have same fate. Tejas is just stepping stone for many more project to built by Indians for IAF , INS as well as IAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-16855798768029783042010-11-01T10:58:44.561-07:002010-11-01T10:58:44.561-07:00Awaiting your response Mr Shukla.
Cheers,
Bharath...Awaiting your response Mr Shukla.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />BharathAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-18256899743334457112010-11-01T08:51:48.848-07:002010-11-01T08:51:48.848-07:00Please refer article "'Are we going to fi...Please refer article "'Are we going to fight Pakistan with the US'" by Vice Admiral Raman Puri at http://www.bharatrakshak.com/NEWS/newsrf.php?newsid=13702 . Outstanding!! I simply cannot agree more from what I know, also you can surely find yourselves revising your stance after going through this one. Jai hind!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-46142725556156092942010-11-01T06:11:08.639-07:002010-11-01T06:11:08.639-07:00my heart says Rafale and brain say Typhoon....F35 ...my heart says Rafale and brain say Typhoon....F35 is fine no doubt..but then i don't see the interoperability with FGFA ...both will be coming up around the same time....Further I suggest we get an additional 40-50 TU 22M / TU 160..We can always use the FGFA learning for our Tejas MK2/3 and AMCA...So with FGFA + Rafale/Typhoon + SU 30 MKI + upgraded M2000 + upgraded Mig29 + LCA tejas and TU 22M / TU 160 (plz) I can't see where the F 35 fits in.Dhirajnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-1909721150075033112010-11-01T01:58:50.896-07:002010-11-01T01:58:50.896-07:00Col sir, do you have any update and pics about F-I...Col sir, do you have any update and pics about F-INSAS?? Pls post. Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-57351397829650915382010-11-01T01:04:24.276-07:002010-11-01T01:04:24.276-07:00@keshto
I dont know about myself but you probably...@keshto<br /><br />I dont know about myself but you probably were roaming in the barren lands of Timbakto when you were replying to my points. Just a few a questions for you; <br /><br />1) As long as CISMOA, BECA and other deals are not signed with US buying JSF-35 is useless. We are already getting the C-17 and C-130J without latest communication equipment, how do you plan to replace them equipments in JSF -35 if India selects them?<br /><br />2) Are you not aware of the specifics IAF has stated about MMRCA, it goes like this 'Essentially a 4.5 generation aircraft that is low cost and easy to maintain'?<br /><br />3) Do you think its wise to cancel MMRCA then going for a 5th generation aircraft costing over US$100 million a piece when we will get 2 different 5th generation aircrafts within the next decade, namely FGFA and AMCA?<br /><br />4) Who is going to pay over US$100 million a piece for these aircrafts, IAF, DRDO, ADE or Lockheed Martin or we the tax payers. do you think it will be a wise decision to fly 3 different 5th generation aircrafts considering the cost associated to keep them flying?<br /><br />5) Which one is more prudent; canceling the MMRCA and going for JSF-35 or buying the upgraded Mirage 2000s(2 of them for price of 1 JSF-35)?<br /><br />Happy Answering <br /><br />Keshto or Fatakeshto or whatever<br /><br />Joydeep Ghoshjoydeep ghoshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00038225081192821456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-33454721280712851082010-10-31T08:33:15.554-07:002010-10-31T08:33:15.554-07:00We Indians are supposed to be very good students i...We Indians are supposed to be very good students in taking up knowledge from our older generations.... Well I don't know about rest of Indians... I take pride from humbly persuing the knowledge that is with the older generations.. They have taught me that a bird in hand is worth more than two in the bush... On that note I will go for something which has battle proven than which is on or just off drawing board... since it take time to figure out... especially... ... how to use a platform like these (flying) ones... We are going for 126+74 because our work horses which is battle proven won't be replenished in time for time being...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-15645547884464098152010-10-31T07:26:50.491-07:002010-10-31T07:26:50.491-07:00The F-35 is designed for 3 very different operator...The F-35 is designed for 3 very different operators(Navy, Marine, AF) with very different requirements. <br />1. The design itself was built on commonality in requirement and compromises on all 3 segments. It can neither be a supreme AF, Navy or Marine jet. <br />2. What we are looking for is an ultimate MRCA for AF and not for other two divisions.<br />3. The F-35 is also built on a compromise that it should not exceed $35 million. <br />4. The stealthy coating needs hours of maintenance and considerably increases maintenance cost and decreases pilot training hours.<br />5. Its not highly manouverable,<br />6. Its bulky..<br />7. It cannot operate on close air support mission as it is very vulnerable to enemy fire.<br />8. Its not a pure dog fighting machine...<br />9. We can even go for more sukhoi MKI's supported by LCA's rather than going for this useless aircraft...Coolgeeknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-40286823429675734662010-10-31T00:08:48.488-07:002010-10-31T00:08:48.488-07:00All the possible dreamed hyper developments may be...All the possible dreamed hyper developments may be put in to the AMCA and FGFA/T-50.<br /><br />With GE Engines now, we know that LCA-mk2 is going to be like the best version of Gripen. <br /><br />For MMRCA we should earliest go for EFT or Rafale after final critical scrutiny. This deal has the potential to help our industries in a large way which in turn can magically help the growth of infrastructure of industrial India.Mr. Ranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-6624147181304824902010-10-30T21:37:55.374-07:002010-10-30T21:37:55.374-07:00instead of going for a un-proven technology i thin...instead of going for a un-proven technology i think we should go first with eurofigher for the air force and go for the navel version f-35 for the indigenous aircraft carrier.<br />as far as my knowledge goes there are only two internal bomb bays in the f-35 compared to 4 or 6 in f-22<br />f-35 has no super cruse as well .<br />and the other thing i read is it is not fully a stealth aircraft as the f-22 because it can only evade ground based radar's but not the AWACS, fighter radar's or the airostats.<br />some one can correct me if i am wrong.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-46863246121326847432010-10-30T15:31:29.726-07:002010-10-30T15:31:29.726-07:00Also here's what Vice Admiral Puri has to say ...Also here's what Vice Admiral Puri has to say on this.<br /><br />http://www.mynews.in/News/are_we_going_ ... 04848.htmlIndranilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16602277519709482086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-28431784776526377632010-10-30T14:47:29.591-07:002010-10-30T14:47:29.591-07:00Hey, all, why not spread this debate to the whole ...Hey, all, why not spread this debate to the whole country. India is not just the IAF,HAL,DRDO, and the BABOOS,<br />but rather the people from Kashmir to Kerala and from Gujarat to Assam they all deserve to know. Since it is tax payers money 42000 to 50000 crore worth of new power lines,new runways,roadways,highways,libraries,fresh drinking water,better sanitation,computers for the people,rural internet access, loans for widows,continuing education for the less educated, business opportunities for our youth etc; etc;please don't let them do this to our country,please. And let us not be deceived by all the hype. India is under no threat and India is not the 'World Policeman'. We have aspirations and dreams like the rest of the world but this is not a priority, by this I mean the MMRCA.We need to build up our own industrial base to high standards and on a fast pace too! And then let the Private Sector do the rest of the job, that is just my suggestion. Scrap Tejas, because putting together a plane that has an engine from the US, avionics and radars,sensors,landing gear,ejection seat and what not (except the tires?) from the rest of the world, and telling us people that it is indigenous, is a Tamasha.That too after guzzling billions in the name of R&D. Any one can put together a plane and make it fly. Let us not pretend, we have enough of homework to take care of now, right now! I am really worried. This to me, is a serious matter giving away billions in the name of defense to other countries when our industries are being neglected(in the sense that they are not being given much space to maneuver). Well, talking about the F-35 it is not the best(the F-22 is) but is sure better than all the MMRCA junk! But then, why do we even have to have this monster unless India is the world policeman? The simple combination of the SU30MKI and some other (Private Sector build) ASF will keep our skies safe for some time to come. Let us knit together and talk sense to our Politicians before they commit this 'mother of all blunders' into the hands of these unseen recipients. JAI HIND!mathew dallasnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-10952998077604796542010-10-30T06:23:31.251-07:002010-10-30T06:23:31.251-07:00Respected Sir,
I partially agree with you regardin...Respected Sir,<br />I partially agree with you regarding 5th gen for next 20 years instead of going MMRCA, But the problem is its a AMERICAN aircraft, American policies come with their PRODUCT, the polices and INDIA should never go for, You and all of us know what happened to Pakistanis, I fully agree we should go for some 5th gen fighter bomber rather going for some 4gen which may needed up-gradation in near future.<br /><br />I also think we need to speed up on AMCA project, We should involve all the once we know to speed up, that's my point of view, though its up to INDIAN Gov. <br /><br /><br />Jai Hind!Kunal Biswasnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-58971820929116143592010-10-29T20:11:26.638-07:002010-10-29T20:11:26.638-07:00After helping Eurojet and Eurofighter to win bids ...After helping Eurojet and Eurofighter to win bids in their respective tenders, seems you are out to help Lockheed Martin F-35 programme. You have now become a businessman journalist.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-65328323992463756152010-10-29T14:24:27.307-07:002010-10-29T14:24:27.307-07:00I'm not sure how effective 35s are without sup...I'm not sure how effective 35s are without supporting B2s.<br /><br />In my opinion, FGFA is easily more than 10 years behind 35s capabilities.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-91672705516483229072010-10-29T12:14:15.681-07:002010-10-29T12:14:15.681-07:00Ajai sir,
Since you are speaking to the guys in t...Ajai sir,<br /><br />Since you are speaking to the guys in the know. Would you do me a favour? And I believe a lot of us here would like to know this. <br /><br />Could you ask the right people, "Sir, what is the exact objective of the MMRCA aircraft?" Are we still looking for a Mirage-like aircraft which can provide strike role in Kargil, but has A2A prowess to defend itself and hence doesn't need to be escorted by the Mig-29s. <br /><br />I understand that we are trying to go one up in everything that we have in the inventory, but what is the primary objective for these aircrafts. I think that alone can help us answer a lot of questions even in the open source domain.<br /><br />I hope you heed my request.<br /><br />~Indranil RoyIndranilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16602277519709482086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-38536789239124074232010-10-29T11:26:42.063-07:002010-10-29T11:26:42.063-07:00@chandrabhan said...
"I am aware that USN is...@chandrabhan said...<br /><br />"I am aware that USN is planning around 320 F35 STOVL versions but they are not scrapping their F18 SH which will continue to get inducted 2018 - Already 400+ numbers."<br /><br />USN is not planning any F-35B, they are after the F-35C, the AF is after F-35A and the Marine core is after F-35B, the STOVL version is a requirement of the marines.<br /><br />The requirement of planes which have stealth is not a new concept, planes have always tried to be stealthy from even the WW-I and WW-II period (back when the only stealth was visual), now we have a concept which gives priority to RCS from the design stage unlike the post design modifications in Su-35 series or limited priority like the euro-canards.<br /><br />The reason for developing stealth as a design priority was the problem USA faced against the Soviet Union, which had constructed one of the worlds most comprehensive AEW radar network and a whole array of path breaking surface to air missile systems.<br /><br />The fifth generation degrades the performace of AEW radars and SAM systems enough to bomb them and targets they protect.<br /><br />none of the planes in the MMRCA tender will be able to deceive air and ground based enemy AEW radars, however in case of PAF, in a prolonged air to air war, attrition will take its toll, InAF holds a comprehensive numerical and slowly widening qualitative/technological advantage over them.<br /><br />For the MMRCA, yes the F-35 is overkill. <br /><br />F-35B for the navy fits in the schedule as the requirement does not exceed that of the RN, and we could get the slots they leave empty. And they will have to operate in places far away from home shores with just 20/40 planes on the carrier/carriers.deep.bluehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09197706501262136613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-46903093107376019442010-10-29T10:30:54.195-07:002010-10-29T10:30:54.195-07:00@ Mathewdallas: The LCA is NOT a blackhole. It may...@ Mathewdallas: The LCA is NOT a blackhole. It may be jibed for being the Late CA, but it will be a potent a/c in its final form, and we all will be thankful that we have something good indigeous, even if it is late. That said, the Gripen is indeed a good a/c for the price and goodies on offer, but not to be aimed at replacing the LCA.<br /><br />@ Chandrabhan:<br /><br />1) In one post you talk about our Mig 21's "superiority", and then in another you belittle the JF17 and the J10 (You are the first person to speak dismissively of the Lavi (Not Levi, thats a tribe or the jean or a surname) project. Quite the objective argument... Then you go on to talk about Su 30's and Flankers ( I guess we have Su 30's and "Flankers") after the air defence is "impregnated"??? (Pardon me, but WTF?? IMPREGNATED ???)And then "Indica's and Scorpio's and Ducatis".. all 4 wheelers I am sure.. apple to apple and all that. And... why on earth would any airforce want ALL a/c types out there?<br /><br />That said, I support your viewpoint that the case for F35's for the IAF is not well considered. The reasons are:<br /><br />1) As Col. Shukla has pointed out a few times in the past, we should try to indegenise defence technology. Can we absorb the technologies that differentiate the F35? Even if we can, what are the chances we will have access to any of that?<br /><br />2) While calling the F35 a "bomb truck" is quite an over simplification devoid of much understanding, we fanboys and all need to deeply examine if our requirements and neighbourhood demand a relatively slow and under armed aircraft, where any extra bang does not really justify the extra bucks. Our neighbourhood has quite a few S300 and more capable air defence systems in reasonably high and increasing concentrations... apart from those nice DF 21s..<br /><br />3) In a BVR and AWACs scenario, what are the chances of F35's against say J10's and those mass produced Sukhoi clones alongwith the KJ2000's? What are the plans if the scenario includes tanker denial? Is it better for use to have a Gripen or Typhoon or the F35s which will invariably come with strings that bind operational availability in many ways?<br /><br />4) What will the primary role/s of the airforce be in a future conflict? I would guess air dominance and ground attack. Which of these roles does the F35 fulfill with aplomb in a manner that justifies the extra costs and the strings?<br /><br />5) Having the F35 forced on to our airforce (in the unlikely event someone actually pulls it off), I pity all the hopes for modern and indigenous weapon systems that Col. Shukla supports. We may at some point end up using the F35's like the F14s in the post Shah Iranian AF.<br /><br />6) Considering that the Chinese have just beaten the Americans to the snob rights of having the fastest supercomputer (sadly PARAM is nowhere near)... I am sure their 5th gen a/c is bound to fly someday soon, doubtless with some assistance from freelancing Russians. And then, with F35s with strings attached..<br /><br />So, in my not very humble opinion, the F35 might be good for the navy, if at all. But for the airforce, the way to go is with the best from the MRCA lot and more Sukhoi 30's and the LCA and FGFA etc...<br /><br />Unless, for reason we are offered the F35 with full access and no strings... but what are the chances of that happening? NIL :)Heberiannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-16474010776166772892010-10-29T10:15:24.415-07:002010-10-29T10:15:24.415-07:00http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o_no4M2xEPY/TMpoj7I8OII/...http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o_no4M2xEPY/TMpoj7I8OII/AAAAAAAALiY/tmdXoGbB5sY/s1600/ef1.JPG<br /><br />I quote from above, "The JSF F-35, which is heavily marketed as a fifth generation fighter, in reality would be better defined as A-35 (an attack aircraft and not a fighter)."<br /><br />The F-35 simply DOES NOT fulfill the current requirements of the IAF. Period.Nakulnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-5310945585685433212010-10-29T09:10:27.469-07:002010-10-29T09:10:27.469-07:00One of the major point we all seem to forget is th...One of the major point we all seem to forget is that in combat it is not a aircraft X versus aircraft Y. Most of us are assuming this, hence we are think a 5th Gen aircraft will be needed.<br /><br />It is the system which wins a war, NOT the aircraft.<br /><br />We need to invest in the system. Real time intelligence, <br />JSTAR types, <br />AWACS,<br />Heavy ECM,<br />Net centric,<br />Fast Response weapons(like Hypersonic responses) etc<br /><br />The objective should be to blind the enemy and preventing ourself from getting poked into the eyes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com