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Facing an enemy like China (once we're finally done dealing with Pak some day, for which we'll have to overwhelm them with numbers as well); with the whole aspect of electronic warfare and SAM evasion/counters - I'm not sure it'd be a good idea to go too much in the Point defense = SAM...

Yea but the Rafale and LCA MK2 aren't exactly the same level of aircraft. The only LCA family member in that category is the ORCA concept (which hopefully gets backing because it seems to hold the key to the actualization of TEDBF which the Navy needs, due to its folding wing/lift size conundrum...

Whatever works, but they should do something like that. Process seems to be more advanced with the Hawks so I went with those.

Kind of seems like a lowball, should (hopefully) be more than 300 in the long run since they'll eventually be replacing 3 different MiG's + the Jaguars. They can then completely take over CAP/interceptor/point defense, and basic interdiction missions. Could be used for some CAS as well, but if...

But realistically; how soon can we have MWF in significant numbers? The whole key is to bulk up Squadron Strength ASAP. Also, MWF is the Mk2 with a stronger engine, correct? So does it seem likely that IN will be able to make ORCA program succeed by itself (since IAF pulled out), will the IAF...

Both are needed, and the budget simply has to be expanded to fit a lot of new hardware purchases - 2.5 Front threat is in full motion now and the ally in the White House is quite possibly gone. Mk1A's in big numbers could handle most of the PAF, and along w/ LCH's could possibly take care of a...

Considering the sheer delay, emerging China (and 2 Front) situation, and whole Atmanirbhar trend going on - they should probably double that order.

Not even slippages, I'm for Su-57's right now. We need more numbers, China's already flying a self proclaimed stealth fighter, our AF will have to learn to operate and maintain stealth fighters before the AMCA's arrive, and having a stealth fighter might provide benefits in the process of...

Except the F-35 is nothing compared to the F-22 (which isn't for sale) in the realm of dogfighting/air superiority. And given India's track record + the fact that it's never tried to produce a fighter this advanced, there are bound to be delays and issues. If Russian hardware being...

Interesting possibilities. Although by that time, AMCA would probably be a mature program with existing platforms. A big part of Su-57 appeal, for me, is that it will be available sooner - and probably be cheaper than a Western stealth fighter.

Plane zoo is about to get much much smaller in the coming decades. MiG-21's will be gone, eventually Jaguars, Mirages & MiG-29's will all be gone too. Then it's just LCA family (incl ORCA, if it happens), Rafale, Su-30 MKI, and AMCA (+ any Su-57's). Not too bad. Re: issues with Su-57. It's...

It doesn't have to be either-or. Going for a limited number of Su-57's would give IAF experience w/ operating and maintaining 5th Gen stealth fighters in advance, and possibly help add valuable knowledge/experience for the designers of the AMCA too. Not to mention, immediately boost sqd...

Hopefully both are a resounding success. But I think IAF is being delusional by expecting 100+ aircraft of Rafale or F-18 caliber. Even if they theoretically get them, it'd seriously hamstring their ability to make other purchases/investments.

I'm worried at the lack of mention of ORCA. That project is critical for IAF and IN, even more than the MK2 or AMCA imo. If it gets scrapped; that'll really wreck plans to build up numbers (trying to fill the requirement solely through Rafales or F-18s would be incredibly expensive).

What on Earth is the SPORT now?

I know we've all said it before, but I really hope they either increase the order sizes (for both) at the same PPU, or at least quickly place follow-on orders later on. Waiting this long, with such a gaping void of fighters/attack helos - only to end up with such small numbers seems self-defeating.

With how long they're taking to sign the contract, the number should be kicked up from 83 to around 123, if not even more.

That's one of my main reasons for being against a Single Engine MWF. We do have Sukhois as you said, but using them as bomb trucks would kind of be a waste of their abilities, their primary use is to dominate the hell out of the enemy's best fighters, on both fronts. They're our best bets...

Yup, that's what I'm saying. Bulk + Speed production of MK1A in big numbers to make up for all the MiG 21's, then shift directly to this ORCA plane to supplement Rafales. A heavier LCA MK2 that is Single Engine, doesn't make much sense to me.

Yes, that's the one I'm talking about, the twin engine "Desi Rafale" variant.