Typhoon or Rafale ?
That is the million rather the 11 billion dollar question.
Yesterday, the news was out that the American companies were also out of the fray, in addition to the Russian MiG-35 and Swedish Gripen. The decision to shortchange the traditional Russian partners and the more contemporary Americans looks foolhardy but it looks like the GoI and the IAF pulled off a coup d’état.
To start with the background India is the fourth largest Air Force in the world with about 1600 aircraft. The fighters comprise of about 740 aircraft spread over five operational commands. About a third of these aircraft are of French Origin and the rest are of Russian Origin ( again about a third of these are Sukhoi’s ).
A typical fighter aircraft is serviced by around 11 personnel ( including weapon loaders). So, the decision to buy an aircraft not only is about the technical superiority or strategic interests but also the familiarity of the aircraft from an operational point of view. Falcon, Hornet and the Gripen if inducted would pose new challenges to service and maintain the aircraft. Rafale , MiG and the Typhoon ( the SEPECAT Jaguar fighter bomber in IAF is of anglo-french origin ) on the other hand are ‘somewhat’ familiar.
Falcon, Hornet and Gripen are the Fourth Generation aircrafts. Considering that the Tejas itself is a fourth generation aircraft and the service life of these aircraft is typically 20-25 years, the decision to eliminate these is completely logical. The MiG,Typhoon and Rafale have a ‘half-generation’ added capabilities like AESA radars and powerful data links.
Now, coming to the ‘strategic’ advantages for going with the American Planes, the US would be eager to bury this hatchet only sooner . Considering that India is the largest arms importer, the US still has tons of oppurtunities to sell ( like 5 billion USD contract for 10 Boeing C-17 cargo planes ). India’s doctrine of maintaining the edge over Pakistan would be negated if we have similar aircraft.
Between the Typhoon and Rafale, the Typhoon is technically superior compared to the Rafale but comes with a higher price. It is ‘stealth’ ready and future models could be equipped with TVC that would add to its already impressive operational capabilities.
The Typhoon has landed?!
keeping out american companies is a must as u can never depend on them for anything at anytime…..some how out leaders took a brave and sensible decision. but surprised with the omission of mig-35. but it will send a warning signal to russians that things like carrier gorshkov renogiation at point blank will not be entertained….but ultimately india should extract any new technology if at all present with america and implement it with support of russia….it would be best to keep america out and let it bleed….