What KDR learn from Libyan War is that single engine combat aircraft can not satisfied the need of long combat in both weapon load or combat radius. UAE air force's Mirage 2000-9 need at least two refueling to be able to strike Libya, and even if it carries two addition gas tank, the combat radius is still at 1550 km. and the weapon load is only at 6 tons. That is why UAE air force's next choose will be twin-engine combat aircraft.
In comparison, Rafale are far more capable according to standard above compare to Mirage 2000H and even Eurofighter Typhoon. The weapon load of Rafale is 9.5 ton(Typhoon is 7.5 ton), it is higher than 9 ton weapon load of China's H-6,13-14 mounts. With two mounted gas tank, Rafale's combat radius is 1852km, internal gas tank alone allow combat radius of over 1000km, that is higher than Typhoon, because Rafale internal gas tank load are 4.7ton(Typhoon is 4.5ton).
If above is the case, then isn't Su-30MK1's new Brahmos multi-role tactic missile's 300 km range should be able to satisfied the above need. However, this type of air to ground missile is still undergoing development, air test just begin this year, and it will take much longer for induction.
As we all know, that one nation inducted Rafale combat aircraft, carrying a higher price tag compare to Euro-fighter Typhoon.the approximation cost differentiation is over 10 million Euro.How do Indian Air Force deal with this problem? The answer is licensed assembly. India will only import 18 Rafale, and the rest 108 Rafale will be assembled in Bangalore.This will lowered the cost significantly, and according to the report, the entire deal will be 12 billion USD(our magazine do not believe such a low figure, probably due to difference in calculation method). So the price tag may be surprising low.
The same situation, Eurofighter Typhoon also promised India. Why would New Delhi, finally give up(on the deal)? The main reason might be due to Reputation of French aircraft in India. From that prospective, West's business ethic are shown after delivery of aircraft, the real deal begin only after that. France's service quality have earned good response from India. Furthermore, the Mirage 2000H participated in 1999 Kashmir conflict, its excellent counter-jamming ability have earned high appraisal from Indian Air Force. In addition, in 1980s, India have corporated with France to licensed produce Jaguar combat aircraft, the cooperation is highly experienced.
P.S.: I will translate the rest tomorrow. I still got work to do.