tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post1339169013393053191..comments2024-03-28T05:22:10.255-07:00Comments on Broadsword by Ajai Shukla - Strategy. Economics. Defence.: Buy MMRCA now, Gen-5 fighter later: US reportBroadswordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13076780076240598482noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-2808069227886264462011-02-04T00:59:24.669-08:002011-02-04T00:59:24.669-08:00Apart from reporting wrong fly-away costs for both...Apart from reporting wrong fly-away costs for both Gripen and the Typhoon Mr. Tellis includes many other errors in this report in particular for the European fighters. I don't understand how he can be "respected" when he produces a report with so many errors in it. This report is useless! Visit a "respected" internet forum and learn more about the pros and cons than from this socalled "expert".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-47919569926511478242011-02-02T06:01:55.664-08:002011-02-02T06:01:55.664-08:00America is pulling indian money for their 6th gen ...America is pulling indian money for their 6th gen fighters...Ravi Khannanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-30704075394643139652011-02-01T13:38:23.012-08:002011-02-01T13:38:23.012-08:00Prasun,
Sometimes you make absolutely no sense. I...Prasun,<br /><br />Sometimes you make absolutely no sense. I remember at one time you saying that Pak had no bombs...all were transfered by china for the tests...ummm<br /><br />Have a read of this and tell me how many have china transfered:<br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/01/world/asia/01policy.htmlSherKhannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-82059053429415365352011-02-01T11:21:35.954-08:002011-02-01T11:21:35.954-08:00America just want money from india so that it can ...America just want money from india so that it can use indian money for more research & development for it's 6th gen fighters...Ravi Khannanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-27024200090423108182011-01-31T17:53:32.209-08:002011-01-31T17:53:32.209-08:00Economy first, defense through diplomacy. Purchase...Economy first, defense through diplomacy. Purchase of expensive military equipment will only lead to precious resources being wasted. If the Chinese wanted to build stealth fighters, you should let them; they are more likely doing it to sell to someone else.<br /><br />Just ask yourself, how did the Chinese defend themselves when they were much more backward (in military terms) previously? Especially in an environment where there were two superpowers?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-27838056846859680822011-01-31T17:07:05.175-08:002011-01-31T17:07:05.175-08:00Haha, another American PR event-the "whitepap...Haha, another American PR event-the "whitepaper". The bit about Indian procurement/depleted fleet scenarios are interesting. Apparently the F-16 and the F-18 SH "only" cost $60 M apiece while the Gripen cost $82 M, the Rafale $85 M and the EF $125M. Not surprisingly, the paper "suggests" that India buy the least expensive plane and since the MiG-35 is totally crap (as per the paper), either of the F-16/18 is what India should buy. And the deal size should be increased to 200. To top it off-An indirect suggestion to kill the LCA and divert the money to MMRCA/increase the order to 200.<br /><br />Bill Sweetman's take on the "whitepaper" here<br /><br />http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post:9131545e-3df2-4b34-9e3b-308371b25e90&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest<br /><br />And hey, the paper mentions a few Indian def journos. Obviously the ones who say we should say NO to Americans because of prior sanctions/tech transfer issues are labelled as critics, AND get this-Mr Shooklaw is referred to as a "thoughtful critic" because of his piece around "Scrap the MMRCA-Get the F-35"<br /><br />That you do not refute the findings of the "white paper" do not surprise me. American aviation majors are good paymasters.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-70806866208159584832011-01-31T15:49:05.965-08:002011-01-31T15:49:05.965-08:00Mr. Tellis in his original report does raise some ...Mr. Tellis in his original report does raise some important issues and is totally correct in saying that for all the money in the world no aircraft manufacturer is going to give crown jewels away. <br /><br />Eurofighter Consortium has said 60% TOT. US position is no we dont share technology but we can negotiate, Grippen 100% <br /><br />US: E.g. current rules prohibit source codes of mission computers being shared. The UAE which funded the development of Block 60 F16's can access and update some threat libraries in the mission computer only)<br /><br />GOI needs to think very carefully about why it wants this deal. IF only force protection the decision is easier, if building industrial base then easy but, if both, difficult. The last choice may require us to go with a vendor who may potentially not bestow strategic benefits (say Grippen). <br /><br />I am not sure how factually correct is the oft belted statement that Grippen NG is a souped up Tejas. Swedish design, manufacturing is world class. IT will be eons if Tejas can even come close, let alone match the Grippen NG.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-9593340986511506442011-01-31T02:23:59.572-08:002011-01-31T02:23:59.572-08:00So where´s the update that Indian MoD has refused ...So where´s the update that Indian MoD has refused the American offer to buy F-35? <br /><br />Surprise, surprise, on grounds they will have FGFA and AMCA which will be cheaper than F-35 and have complete access to source codes, etc, which the Americans curiously stay quiet about.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-28647358106835539512011-01-31T00:29:24.930-08:002011-01-31T00:29:24.930-08:00oh wow! unbelievable..oh wow! unbelievable..brown_pandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17876767514789447156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-24384697842161976632011-01-30T18:58:40.897-08:002011-01-30T18:58:40.897-08:00"Indian security interests could be undermine..."Indian security interests could be undermined by a political compromise like splitting the deal between two countries."<br /><br />If such a thing happens that would be the breaking point and our tax payers will start a revolution against Congress Govt like in Egypt and replace this Inefficient, rotten & corrupt democratic system with a Military Dictator who can work on national interest, Ha ha ha...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-1677827921215568752011-01-30T04:34:29.348-08:002011-01-30T04:34:29.348-08:00with the orders in hand, even if we buy it now, it...with the orders in hand, even if we buy it now, it will enter the services in 2030? With the FAGFA, which will be newer than F-35, cheaper, our own, twin engine, more capacity, longer range and deliveries starting from 2020 makes sense.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-31529708066345459012011-01-30T01:56:07.324-08:002011-01-30T01:56:07.324-08:00Ajai, there's an article: "Israel and the...Ajai, there's an article: "Israel and the F-35: A look beyond costs and politics" by Gur Laish of the Institute for National Security Studies, that's worth looking at.<br /><br />Here's the link: http://defpro.com/daily/details/741Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-61838338760523522482011-01-30T01:26:27.088-08:002011-01-30T01:26:27.088-08:00Thank you to Mr Tell-us to 'allow' us to h...Thank you to Mr Tell-us to 'allow' us to hear his profound words of wisdom as of we did not know what to do.<br />Col Shukla,<br />He sounds more like salesman for Boeing rather than telling us any ground breaking truth. He continues to espouse the need for 'concessions' from India so that Americans can get out of Af-Pak.Brahamvakyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05864729826013229860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-13146448196866825182011-01-30T00:12:52.982-08:002011-01-30T00:12:52.982-08:00First time i am commenting but all the US comments...First time i am commenting but all the US comments on the MMRCA deal look like they are doing us such a big favor and talking of pol. pressure..i think GoI should in turn put pressure and award the deal to those Govts who are willing to make max concessions to us on all frontsTravel Notes and other lonely thoughtshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15732641699468062360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-67524195360608412022011-01-29T23:35:07.545-08:002011-01-29T23:35:07.545-08:00So US military-industrial-complex think tanks´ rep...So US military-industrial-complex think tanks´ reports are news worthy? Or does Ajai just love to find any excuse to hype up American superiority and how India should get in bed with it?<br /><br />So according to the story, India should structure ALL it´s currently forseen programs under the assumption of sucking at the American teat forever and ever... And why not, these think tanks apparently can even invent program requirements (conveniently parallel to possible American offerings, once they get their problem-soaked F-35 program on track, eventually) which do not exist ANYWHERE in IAF forecasted programs. There is NO forecasted need for F-35 in IAF force structure, period. Tejas Mk.2, MMRCA, AMCA, MKI Mk.2, and PAK-FA with legacy frames continuing their productive service life. Where is room for F-35? <br />PERHAPS Indian Navy might find a use for F-35, but IAF has absolutely no need. But hey, America is Great, so maybe we all just need to adjust our perception of reality so as to better play along with the Americans, right?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-49672607294978520652011-01-29T22:07:36.785-08:002011-01-29T22:07:36.785-08:00The topic of Indian looking for F-35 or any foreig...The topic of Indian looking for F-35 or any foreign weapon system has a detrimental effect on the jobs and mass migration of Indian students.<br /> I hope all are aware about, Indian students duped by US university, I have the queries, Why cannot we create an excellent ecosystem of educational institutions and industries, where any science, commerce or arts graduate is provided decent pay and living condition? Why should we not have excellent student in basic science/commerce/arts? why should we pursue BE/BTech/MBBS/MD/MS to achieve a Rs 18,000/23,000/etc pay.<br /><br /> In India most support import of technology, which provide jobs to foreigners in their land, however we are forced to go abroad in search of similar jobs.<br /><br />The behavior of self-proclaimed intellectuals, Judiciary, babus, Armed forces, politicians has forced most Indian to migrate to US/EU/UK/AU by hook or crook as the migrant know we cannot work on the technology in India; all we hear is India provides cheep labor.<br /><br />I think, if there is survey on why Indians do not like to live in India, 99% would tell, they have no confidence in any of governing bodies; Judiciary, government office, or Industries as all create hurdles and not opportunities.<br /><br /><br />The mass migration of student from India to US/UK/EU/AU displays the ineptness of governing bodies.<br /><br />A nation is made beautiful or progressive by its people and not the other way round.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-72739033432383220192011-01-29T19:19:53.829-08:002011-01-29T19:19:53.829-08:00We embararked upon this MMRCA route... as we know...We embararked upon this MMRCA route... as we know our short comings that's going to come our way in this field... 29 in place of 39, LCA and all... about 5-7 years back... Well kudos for second guessing this...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-68977329976622255412011-01-29T18:50:31.012-08:002011-01-29T18:50:31.012-08:00It is indeed very difficult to understand the GOI&...It is indeed very difficult to understand the GOI's rationale to buy defense equipment from the US as we are fully aware of Uncle Sam's penchant for invoking sanctions if the GOI does not toe its like or reasoning where US foreign policy is concerned.<br /><br />Ordering transport planes or other similar stuff from the US (though at very inflated prices compared to the same being gifted to Pakistan the globally aknowleged exporter of nuclear technology and terrorists) may be considered as expedient to appease the US but isn't defence and intergrity of the nation paramount?<br /><br />There is so much hype about getting political gains if the MMRCA tender goes to US, what exactly are we getting? Has anything except the subjective offer of making India a super power been spelled out? Is the US offering a US nuclear umbrella if China/Pakistan unleashes a nuclear war? Has the US offered to help India with whatever it needs (without a hefty price of course)if China starts a border war? Has the US put it in writing that it would not oppose the use of American defence hardware against Pakistan even though it is the sleeping partner of the US? As it is whatever is bought from the US is more pricey compared to the same supplied to other countries.<br /><br />Whatever is purchased for the Armed Forces should be the best on technical evaluation by the AF and not because some American bureaucrat, arms lobbyist or baboo with vested interest claims to have political clout.<br /><br />Going by precedence the US cannot be trusted. Have they pulled in and chastised their pet terrorist, the ISI for all the terrorist attacks on India? <br /><br />The US is still arming Pakistan to the teeth knowing very well those arms will be used against India.<br /><br />Do the Americans care that China has become the major arms supplier to Pakistan? They couldn't care less. So what political gains are we being hammered with?<br /><br />If F35 is offered without any strings and conditions and if they are affordable, then only should India consider buying it. <br /><br />The offer of F35 looks more like the proverbial carrot to grab the MMRCA deal.<br /><br />Go for it at our own peril and be known the world over as the number one suckers.the terminatornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-65860483619530120992011-01-29T12:38:43.974-08:002011-01-29T12:38:43.974-08:00"With two US fighters--- Lockheed Martin’s F-..."With two US fighters--- Lockheed Martin’s F-16IN Super Viper; and Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet --- apparently trailing in the six-way, US $10 billion race to sell India 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA)..."<br />-----------------------------------<br />Trailing? Is this just another figment of BROADSWORD's imagination or did someone from the Cabinet Committee on national Security SMS BROADSWORD with this scoop?Prasun K. Senguptahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17625525921341864605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-32271333816851084592011-01-29T10:13:20.328-08:002011-01-29T10:13:20.328-08:00"The US-built F-35, in contrast, is nearing c..."The US-built F-35, in contrast, is nearing completion: it is likely to be in operational service by 2014."<br /><br />Where did you get this date from? The current plan is for development testing to be finished in March 2015 and a decision on full-rate production isn't scheduled until April 2016. That's assuming there are no further delays which is a definite possibility. <br /><br />It's likely if India does decide to buy F-35's they won't enter service in the IAF until 2017-2018. About the same time the J-20 is expected to enter service.Mongonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-23142764988530675642011-01-29T08:48:42.545-08:002011-01-29T08:48:42.545-08:00US economy must be facing some severe problems aga...US economy must be facing some severe problems against the Chinese economical onslaught.Mr. Ranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-3708430974334695852011-01-29T06:01:14.715-08:002011-01-29T06:01:14.715-08:00Good One The Image of Carrot tied at the end of a ...Good One The Image of Carrot tied at the end of a very long stick how about selling ICBM's huh or B-2Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-11295872094047682262011-01-29T06:00:14.792-08:002011-01-29T06:00:14.792-08:00From the Carnegie Middle East Center funders: The ...From the Carnegie Middle East Center funders: The Endowment gratefully acknowledges the generous financial support from the following public and private sources from 2007 to the present: <br />U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency<br />U.S. Department of Defense<br />U.S. Department of Energy<br />U.S. Department of State<br />General MotorsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-55331937933113790742011-01-29T01:57:06.547-08:002011-01-29T01:57:06.547-08:00No need of F-35; Lets build our own even if it is ...No need of F-35; Lets build our own even if it is fraught with mistakes and dangers.<br /><br />Lets us help ourselves instead of depending on others to help us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-26241467388114827632011-01-29T01:09:57.907-08:002011-01-29T01:09:57.907-08:00The suggestion is in line with your observation. H...The suggestion is in line with your observation. However, are the defence officials listening or do they have better designs? How reliable are the Americans and more importantly how reliable are the Russians? Seems like an MEA decision instead of a MoD decision.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com