if the deal is to be signed with the americans there is no way the MoD or MoF or some other ministry can cancel it since then you have the PMO at the highest level involved.hope the deal is signed and not cancelled like so many other deals
May be the decision to buy such a small number is to protect only a small portion of the country like arunachal pradesh. These may not be deployed on the western sector.yes just 22 is such a tiny number. that small number would not be sufficient for a nation such as Israel. India which has vast boundaries need's much more than 22. But hope at least they buy something. The way things are going it would be a great thing just for the contract to be concluded and the weapon system to be inducted.
AS the name suggest Light combat helicopter we need something in heavier role to complement them plus we need a stopgap Mi-25 are very old now even with upgrade until LCH becomes fully operational.Ques: Why IAF is looking at foreign Helo when we have a flying LCH prototype?
If thats the case we need much more than just 22 of them . Also why DRDO is not working on heavier version of Combat Helicopter ?AS the name suggest Light combat helicopter we need something in heavier role to complement them plus we need a stopgap Mi-25 are very old now even with upgrade until LCH becomes fully operational.
may be DRDO want to experiment LCH before something heavier and more deadly....If thats the case we need much more than just 22 of them . Also why DRDO is not working on heavier version of Combat Helicopter ?
Because they intend to produce AFAIK 165 LCH as from 2015 so with 20 Mi-25 and 22 New choppers its ok until the big fleet of LCH comes in.If thats the case we need much more than just 22 of them . Also why DRDO is not working on heavier version of Combat Helicopter ?
Armed Dhruv ( IAF version ) is being used by IAF for escort missions for MI-17/8s & MI-26..I think Dhruv and LCH has same engine and payloads . so why to waste time for weaponization of Dhruv . Better to concentrate on LCH and start a new program for HCH. Now DRDO has enough experience to start such program. only problem could be engine.
Will LCH have same weapon load that apache have . Definitely a heavier helicopter will be able to carry more weapons. I am not sure about it maybe you know better than me as you are from military background.Armed Dhruv ( IAF version ) is being used by IAF for escort missions for MI-17/8s & MI-26..
Army may in use of Armed Dhruv..
Their is no need for HCH, Apache is a replacement for MI-23/25 from IAF service..
LCH can do all the task what Apache can do..
1 thing for sure LCH will have the Nag anti-tank missile aka HELINA (air launched version) plus all the usual mix of rockets,20mm machine gun etc.Will LCH have same weapon load that apache have . Definitely a heavier helicopter will be able to carry more weapons. I am not sure about it maybe you know better than me as you are from military background.