Imported Single Engine Fighter Jet Contest

WolfPack86

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Single-Engine Fighter To Be Focus On Aero India

by Rohan Ramesh
23 countries to take part in premier air show that starts on Feb. 14 in Bangalore; PM likely to inaugurate.

BANGALORE
: The country’s premier air show — Aero India 2017 — is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14 in the city, will see participation from 23 countries. If the previous air shows were about the MMRCA deal, this year the focus will be on single engine aircrafts as the Indian government hopes to manufacture one indigenously.
SAAB’s Gripen-E and the Lockheed Martin F-16 will inevitably be keenly watched with India recently issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for a single engine fighter to be manufactured in the country .
Sweden’s SAAB will be displaying its Gripen E , the latest offering from its stable. It claims the single engine aircraft is the ultimate development of its Gripen NG project. A 4.5 generation aircraft that combines exceptional performance with BVR capability, the Gripen is said to be cost efficient as well. SAAB will also offer the Sea Gripen, the maritime variant, for the Indian Navy.
Commenting on Aero India, SAAB chairman and managing director, Jan Widerstrom admitted that its presence at the show was related to “its commitment to contributing to India’s ambition to build a self- reliant indigenous defence industry of global standards.”
The other aircraft that will be closely watched is the Lockheed Martin F-16. The company is offering a fully customised F-16 version for the Indian Air Force that will come equipped with either an APG-70 or an APG-80 - AESA Radar.
Former Chief of Air Staff, Fali Major revealed deals had been signed for Chinook and Apache helicopters and a C-130 Hercules transport plane had been purchased.
“We are looking forward to seeing these aircraft being displayed. The RFI for single engine fighter planes to replace the MiG-21s has been issued and we should see some movement on that,” the former Air Force Chief added.
Meanwhile, spectators at the show are in for a treat as the internationally renowned Surya Kiran team, dismantled six years ago after the Indian Air Force decided there was a shortage of training aircraft, is set to return with a bang. The team now flies Hawk aircraft in place of the vintage Kiran Mk-II aircraft.
http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2017/02/single-engine-fighters-to-be-focus-of.html
 

WolfPack86

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Saab Looks To Supply Latest Gripen-E Supply To IAF

Saab, a Swedish defense equipment maker, is eyeing supply of latest Grippen-E (multi-role fighter jets) to Indian Air Force, single engine aircraft for the Navy’s aircraft carrier, air defense system for the country. It is also exploring a strategic tie-up with Indian SMEs under the ‘Make in India’ program.
“India has recently called for Request for Information (RFI) for naval aircraft and air defense systems to which we have applied,” said Jan Widerstorm, Chairman, and Managing Director, Saab India.
The company is participating in the country’s premier air show and defense exhibition – Aero India 2017 being held at Bengaluru from February 14-18.
Widerstorm said India recently concluded a deal to buy 36 Rafael fighter jets instead of 126 for its Air Force, Saab has shown interest to supply or offer the latest Grippen-E. “Grippen-E is smart. IAF needs such a plane and not those which have a higher speed or more thrust. It is looking for single engine fighter aircraft. We fit the bill perfectly,” he added.
As for as the single engine aircraft for the Navy, there are only two aircraft makers – Saab and F16. “We are looking for an opportunity to sell our aircraft,” said Widerstorm.
http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2017/02/saab-looks-to-supply-latest-grippen-e.html
 

WolfPack86

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MMRCA Redux


Nothing excites the global arms industry more than big ticket multi-billion dollar orders. This is especially true when it comes to India, a country that has been the world’s largest arms importer for nearly a decade now.
Ever since India’s defense ministry sought global bids for 126 Medium Multiple Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) in 2005, successive installments of the biennial Aero India – where the six global contenders (RAC MiG, Dassault, Saab, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Eurofighter) displayed their jets to Indian decision-makers – has thrummed with anticipation over who would win the $10 billion contract, the ‘mother of all defense deals’.

The final selection of the French Dassault Rafale in 2012 robbed subsequent Aero India of their sheen, but the MMRCA deal was then scrapped in favor of an off-the-shelf purchase of 36 Rafales for 7.8 billion Euros. India, it would seem, had had its fill of fighter aircraft-but for two major events of the past few weeks.

Late last year, the MoD announced it was looking to build a new single-engine fighter in India, as part of its ‘Make in India’ strategy to indigenise imports. And, on January 17 this year, the Indian Navy issued a request for information from manufacturers for 57 carrier-based fighter aircraft. Both these programs could be worth over $20 billion.

Five of the six aircraft that were in the original MMRCA fray are now back in the reckoning. The Dassault Rafale, the Boeing F/A-18 and the MiG-29K are contenders for the naval contract, while Lockheed Martin’s F-16 and Sweden’s Gripen are strong contenders for the ‘Make in India’ fighter. Saab executives have also hinted at reviving its Sea Gripen program for the naval contract.
Both the IAF and the navy’s contracts, it would seem, are rooted in the delays and disappointments of the TEJAS Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program. The IAF feels the LCA won’t be able to plug the gap caused by the phasing out of its 230-plane MiG fleet over the next decade, and wants a fighter over and above the 120 TEJAS it is committed to buying. The Navy, one of the prime funding agents of the LCA over two decades ago, feels the aircraft in its present form is unsuited for aircraft carrier-based operations and hence wants a new multi-role naval fighter.
None of these wishes is likely to be granted in a hurry, particularly since the ‘Make in India’ fighter jet is contingent on a major policy shift-approval for a ‘strategic partnership’ policy that will allow the MoD to nominate a private sector firm of its choice. The MoD is yet to finalize this policy, a move that could lead to tie-ups between domestic and foreign private sector manufacturers. The snail-paced decision-making process within the MoD is a big concern. It could be close to a decade by the time the naval MMRCA fighters take off. But until then, these two aircraft contracts promise plenty of excitement on the ground and in the air.
http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2017/02/mmrca-redux.html
 

WolfPack86

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Fighter Jet Deals To Hot Up Aero India Show

F-16 Fighter Jet, Lockheed has proposed to shift the entire production line of the jet to India
Top officials from the aviation companies would now get an opportunity to take the discussions forward when they meet Indian officials at the Aero India show between February 14 and 18.
Two prospective fighter aircraft deals are likely to hot up Aero India 2017, beginning in Bangalore a week from now.

While the navy has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to purchase 57 carrier-borne fighter aircraft, the government is exploring the possibility of buying close to 100 single engine combat jets for the air force in a government-to-government contract.
The RFI for 57 multi-role carrier-borne fighters were released last month after Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba made it clear that the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (Navy) would not be considered for India’s next aircraft carrier – likely to be named INS Vishal – which is expected to be operational around 2030.
Because of its dwindling squadron strength, the air force, too, requires more fighter aircraft as only 36 (two squadrons) Rafale fighters would not make up the shortfall in the wake of the cancellation of a previous global tender to buy 126 medium multi-role fighter aircraft.
In October, the Indian embassies in the US and Sweden contacted aviation majors Lockheed Martin and Saab to find out if they can meet India’s requirement in case of a government order for a large number of fighter aircraft.
Both companies assured the officials that they could shift their F-16 and Gripen assembly lines to India, if there is a minimum assured order.
While officials remained tight-lipped on the progress, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar added fuel to the fire when he stated that the final selection for a western partner to provide a single-engine fighter for the air force would depend on the transfer of technology terms and the pricing proposed by the original equipment manufacturer.
Top officials from the aviation companies would now get an opportunity to take the discussions forward when they meet Indian officials at the Aero India show between February 14 and 18. More than 750 companies have confirmed participation in the biennial show that has grown in size over the years.
Gripen aircraft, flown by the Swedish Air Force, will be participating in air displays on all days of the show.
A full-scale model of the latest generation Gripen-E would be on display, while the US Air Force will fly the F-16s.
http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2017/02/fighter-jet-deals-to-hot-up-aero-india.html
 

WolfPack86

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Lockheed Says U.S. May Take 'Fresh Look' At Its India F-16 Plan

U.S. defense firm Lockheed Martin wants to push ahead with plans to move production of its F-16 combat jets to India, but understands President Donald Trump’s administration may want to take a “fresh look” at the proposal.
With no more orders for the F-16 from the Pentagon, Lockheed plans to use its Fort Worth, Texas plant instead to produce the fifth generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter that the United States Air Force is transitioning to.
Lockheed would switch F-16 production to India, as long as the Indian government agrees to order hundreds of the planes that its air force desperately needs.
Trump has criticised U.S. companies that have moved manufacturing overseas and which then sell their products back to the U.S. In his first few weeks in office, he has pushed companies, from automakers to pharmaceutical firms, to produce more in the United States.
In Lockheed’s case, however, the plan is to build the F-16 to equip the Indian Air Force, and not sell them back into the United States.
Lockheed said it has been talking to Trump’s transition and governance teams as well as the U.S. Congress for several months on its plans, including the proposed sale of F-16 planes to India, a spokesman told Reuters in Washington.
“We’ve briefed the Administration on the current proposal, which was supported by the Obama Administration as part of a broader cooperative dialogue with the Government of India,” the spokesman said.
“We understand that the Trump Administration will want to take a fresh look at some of these programs, and we stand prepared to support that effort to ensure that any deal of this importance is properly aligned with U.S. policy priorities.”
India is expected to spend $250 billion on defense modernisation over the next decade, analysts say, and there is concern that a veto on making the F-16 in India would not only hit Lockheed, but also threaten other military contracts to come up in India for Boeing, Northrop and Raytheon.
The White House did not respond to requests for comment on the plan to build the plane in India.
A person close to Lockheed said company officials did not know what the Trump administration planned to do about the proposal to shift F-16 production to India.
“They’re following it closely and talking with the White House. But if they don’t move production to India, there’s no way they’ll get the India contract,” the person said.
One argument to be made was that moving to India would preserve some component production in the United States. “Twenty-five percent of something is better than zero percent of nothing,” the person said.
NO THREAT TO U.S. JOBS
Lockheed has said that moving F-16 assembly to India would create 200 engineering jobs in the United States to help support the production line in India.
It has also said that about 800 workers in the United States making the non-Lockheed parts for the F-16 would keep their jobs if construction shifts to India.
“We are offering to make the F-16 Block-70 aircraft with a local partner in India. This is an offer exclusive to India,” Randall L. Howard, head of F-16 business development, told Reuters ahead of India’s biggest air show beginning in Bengaluru next week.
In India, the F-16 is up against SAAB’s SAABb.ST Gripen combat aircraft, which the Swedish firm has also offered to make locally, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi drives a Make-in-India campaign to build a domestic aerospace industry and reduce costly imports.
The Indian government is expected to decide this year on which company will build a single-engine fighter plane, in collaboration with a local partner. A defense official said the process was at a very early stage.
The Indian air force alone needs 200-250 fighters over the next 10 years, its former chief Arup Raha said before he left office in December.
Negotiating arms contracts with India can take years, and industry officials said there was no guarantee Lockheed would win the contract even if it moves production to India.
Defense ties between India and the United States have grown rapidly, with U.S. arms sales of more than $4 billion in 2012-15, mostly under government-to-government foreign military sales, upstaging long-term supplier Russia and even Israel.
Lockheed’s executive director for international business development, Abhay Paranjape, said his team has met with representatives from 40 defense and aviation firms in India to help build the ancillary network for the aircraft assembly program.
“We want to be prepared, that’s why we started the ground work,” he said, adding Lockheed has also scouted possible factory sites in India.
Lockheed has a joint venture with India’s Tata Advanced Systems Ltd to make air frame components for the C-130J Super Hercules transport plane and the S-92 helicopter.
“The capability for building components exists here, it’s been proven with the C-130s. The challenge now is to pick the right partners,” Paranjape said.
http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2017/02/lockheed-says-us-may-take-fresh-look-at.html
 

BON PLAN

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A Israeli origin of F-16 Soufa landed in IAF base for high altitude tests. I am posting Indian Defence .Com link below
Parikrama a think tank analyst posted some information regarding Israeli F-16 landed in Indian Air Force base in India for High altitude tests Indian Defence.Com. Here is the link i am posting
below.http://*****************/threads/f1...ndia-lwf-news-and-possibilities.56222/page-30. See this link.
Why not.
But F16, among others, was tested heavily during MMRCA, so IAF knows it perfectly.

For me it's just a gentle manner not to say "NO" to USA, by gaining some times...
 

F-14B

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There is a small typo problem here the F-16 E/F Block 60 Desert Falcon is a block deloveped for the UAEAF
Based on the F-16C/D Block 50/52, it features improved radar and avionics and conformal fuel tanks; it has only been sold to the United Arab Emirates. At one time, this version was incorrectly thought to have been designated "F-16U." A major difference from previous blocks is the Northrop GrummanAN/APG-80Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which gives the airplane the capability to simultaneously track and destroy ground and air threats. The Block 60's General Electric F110-GE-132 engine is a development of the −129 model and is rated at 32,500 lbf (144 kN). The Electronic Warfare system is supposed to be quite advanced and includes the Northrop Grumman Falcon Edge Integrated Electronic Warfare Suite RWR together with the AN/ALQ-165 Self-Protection Jammer. Falcon Edge, which was developed by Northrop Grumman specifically for the Block 60, is capable of showing not only the bearing of any threat but also the range. The Block 60 allows the carriage of all Block 50/52-compatible weaponry as well
Whereas we are offered the block 70
 

ezsasa

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There is a small typo problem here the F-16 E/F Block 60 Desert Falcon is a block deloveped for the UAEAF

Whereas we are offered the block 70
Let's Keep in mind, block 70 exists only on paper...

If so, there is a chance that F16 may also go the p8i way, where certain technologies were withheld for not signing all the foundational agreements.
 

BON PLAN

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There is a small typo problem here the F-16 E/F Block 60 Desert Falcon is a block deloveped for the UAEAF

Whereas we are offered the block 70
What are the difference between bk60 and bk70 ?
Probably only a marketing difference, as bk60 is dedicated to UAE because they paid all the development. NO?
 

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Lockheed has said that moving F-16 assembly to India would create 200 engineering jobs in the United States to help support the production line in India.
It has also said that about 800 workers in the United States making the non-Lockheed parts for the F-16 would keep their jobs if construction shifts to India.
We are getting a half baked deal that too will be prone to sanctions.
It will not create many jobs here neither any significant tot will take place
 

F-14B

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What are the difference between bk60 and bk70 ?
Probably only a marketing difference, as bk60 is dedicated to UAE because they paid all the development. NO?
It is same like the Dassult Mirage 2000-9
Mirage 2000-9 is the export variant of Mirage 2000-5 Mk.2. The UAE was the launch customer, ordering 32 new-build aircraft, comprising 20 Mirage 2000-9 single-seaters and 12 Mirage 2000-9D two-seaters. Initial deliveries of the UAE Mirages began in the spring 2003. A further 30 of Abu Dhabi's older Mirage 2000s will also be upgraded to Mirage 2000-9 standard.

The UAE's Mirage 2000-9s are equipped for the strike mission, with the Shehab laser targeting pod (a variant of the Damocles) and the Nahar navigation pod, complementing the air-to-ground modes of the RDY-2 radar. They are also equipped with a classified countermeasures system designated "IMEWS", which is comparable to the ICMS 3. The UAE is also obtaining the "Black Shaheen" cruise missile, which is basically a variant of the MBDA Apache cruise missile similar to Storm Shadow. Emirati Mirage 2000 are armed with MBDA PGM 500 "Hakim" guided bombs.[56]
 

BON PLAN

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It is same like the Dassult Mirage 2000-9
Mirage 2000-9 is the export variant of Mirage 2000-5 Mk.2. The UAE was the launch customer, ordering 32 new-build aircraft, comprising 20 Mirage 2000-9 single-seaters and 12 Mirage 2000-9D two-seaters. Initial deliveries of the UAE Mirages began in the spring 2003. A further 30 of Abu Dhabi's older Mirage 2000s will also be upgraded to Mirage 2000-9 standard.

The UAE's Mirage 2000-9s are equipped for the strike mission, with the Shehab laser targeting pod (a variant of the Damocles) and the Nahar navigation pod, complementing the air-to-ground modes of the RDY-2 radar. They are also equipped with a classified countermeasures system designated "IMEWS", which is comparable to the ICMS 3. The UAE is also obtaining the "Black Shaheen" cruise missile, which is basically a variant of the MBDA Apache cruise missile similar to Storm Shadow. Emirati Mirage 2000 are armed with MBDA PGM 500 "Hakim" guided bombs.[56]
The Mirage 2000-5mk2 and 2000-9 are quite the same. Same radar, same engine, same weapons integrated.
The differences are very tiny.
 

WolfPack86

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Saab offers to set up advanced jet production hub in India
New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) Eyeing a contract for IAFs single-engine fighter jets, Swedish defence giant Saab today said it will set up in India one of the most advanced aircraft production facilities globally if its Gripen E multi-role jet wins the deal.

Top Saab officials said the company has already finalised a blue-print for setting up the hub which will manufacture Gripen E for India and the global market besides having separate facilities to design, develop, modify and enhance new fighters for the future.

The government has already issued Request for Information (RFI) to procure a fleet of single-engine fighters for IAF and US defence form Lockheed Martin will be a major competitor for Saab for the deal.
Lockheed Martin has offered to completely shift a F-16 production line to India for manufacture of the fighters.

Kent-Ake Molin, Director of Sales and Marketing of Gripen, projecting Gripen E as the "best" multi-role fighter for IAF, said the aircraft manufacturing hub conceived by Saab for India will be the most modern facility in the world with a major focus on technology transfer.

Saab is also looking at supplying the Indian Navy a naval version of Gripen with advanced features and capablility to take off from aircraft carriers.

Asked whether technology transfer would be difficult as Gripen jet engine has components developed by US defence majors, particularly under Donald Trumps presidency, Molin said there was no reason to worry and concerns regarding the issue are misplaced.

He said Indias light combat aircraft has US components and any such issues will be resolved.

Saab had offered Gripen for the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft deal which was eventually awarded to French Dassaults Rafale.

Molin said the facility for India would include a dedicated Gripen Design Centre, a major production facility equipped with the latest manufacturing technologies and robotics systems, a radar and sensor centre, final assembly plus test and verification centres, among others.

It will also have repair and overhaul and design services, he said, adding the fighter technology ecosystem would support the full spectrum of production capabilities for India, including parts manufacturing and sub-assembly.
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/...ced-jet-production-hub-in-india/1/879751.html
 

WolfPack86

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After Lockheed Martin, Saab offers to set up advanced jet production hub in India

Saab India Technologies Pvt Ltd chairman and MD Jan Widerstrom addresses a press conference held to announce its business plans in India, ahead of the forthcoming AERO India 2017 Expo in Bengaluru on Monday. Jan Widerstrom said that Saab is not only looking at setting up a base in India but also helping in the development of aerospace capability. (AFP file photo)

Eyeing a contract for IAF’s single-engine fighter jets, Swedish defence giant Saab on Friday said it will set up in India one of the most advanced aircraft production facilities globally if its Gripen E multi-role jet wins the deal.
Top Saab officials said the company has already finalised a blueprint for setting up the hub which will manufacture Gripen E for India and the global market besides having separate facilities to design, develop, modify and enhance new fighters for the future.

The government has already issued request for information (RFI) to procure a fleet of single-engine fighters for IAF and US defence from Lockheed Martin, which will be a major competitor for Saab for the deal.

Lockheed Martin has offered to completely shift F-16 production line to India for manufacture of the fighters.

Kent-Ake Molin, director of sales and marketing of Gripen, projecting Gripen E as the “best” multi-role fighter for IAF, said the aircraft manufacturing hub conceived by Saab for India will be the most modern facility in the world with a major focus on technology transfer.

Saab is also looking at supplying the Indian Navy a naval version of Gripen with advanced features and capability to take off from aircraft carriers.


Asked whether technology transfer would be difficult as Gripen jet engine has components developed by US defence majors, particularly under Donald Trump’s presidency, Molin said there was no reason to worry and concerns regarding the issue are misplaced.

He said India’s light combat aircraft has US components and any such issues will be resolved.

Saab had offered Gripen for the Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft deal which was eventually awarded to French Dassault’s Rafale.

Molin said the facility for India would include a dedicated Gripen Design Centre, a major production facility equipped with the latest manufacturing technologies and robotics systems, a radar and sensor centre, final assembly plus test and verification centres, among others.

It will also have repair and overhaul and design services, he said, adding the fighter technology ecosystem would support the full spectrum of production capabilities for India, including parts manufacturing and subassembly.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/busin...ub-in-india/story-McH5IXVRNBf1kvY0oyOkIL.html

 

WolfPack86

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No Reason To Worry About Technology Transfer From US: Saab

SAAB Gripen is powered by the General Electric GE-F414 Turbofan
New Delhi
: Swedish defense and aviation major SAAB on Friday said that there was no reason to worry about the technology transfer from the US if it wins a contract to manufacture its Gripen E multi-role jet in India.
“There is a wide cooperation between India and the US. The technology that is used in Gripen would not be subject to stop. We don’t have any reasons to worry about that,” said Kent Ake Molin, Gripen Sales and Marketing Director, SAAB during a press conference here.
“The core of Gripen is what we have control over, we are looking at the sensors side, avionics and software control and we will ensure that those are available for India,” he added.
Gripen is powered by F-414 from the US engine manufacturer General Electrics. After the inauguration of the Trump administration there is a fear that the new government may not approve the sales of US products in a second country’s contract.
In October 2016, India sent out communication to global fighter aircraft manufacturers for seeking information on their single-engine combat jets to replace its Russian vintage single-engine Mig-21s combat jets.
In response to the IAF proposal, Swedish aircraft manufacturer SAAB has offered its latest Gripen E fighters to India and has plans to help India become net exporter of the fighter aircraft.
Lockheed, in response to the tender, offered its latest F-16 Block-70 jets.
SAAB is also participating in the Indian Navy’s carrier-based fighter aircraft program.
The Indian Navy sent out a Request for Information (RFI) for 57 carrier-borne aircraft for its naval fleet in January.
Speaking on the maritime version of the aircraft Gripen M, Tony Ogilvy, Head of Marketing Gripen Maritime, said, “We have a certified design for the maritime version and the next step will be to develop a prototype for demonstration.”
“We don’t have the prototype flying,” he added.
According to the company the maritime version will be a part of the Make in India program for the Gripen Air Force version.
“That leads the way. The Maritime version fits very well in with that development and build program as part of the overall Gripen in India,” Tony said.
SAAB, if selected, has plans to establish the most modern aerospace facility in India. Company believes Gripen coming to India will add jobs in the US.
http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2017/02/no-reason-to-worry-about-technology.html
 

WolfPack86

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IAF floats RFI for acquiring hundreds of ‘Made in India’ single-engine fighters. Will Trump’s policy help Saab’s proven Gripen fighter to gain solid ground?

The Indian Air Force (IAF) in an effort to drastically boost up its strike capabilities has recently floated a RFI (Request For Information) for acquiring several single-engine fighters. The RFI which was floated in November, 2016 had been forwarded to several global aerospace companies through Indian embassies.
The RFI has formally been received by USA based Boeing and Lockheed Martin, Sweden based Saab and Russian based Mikoyan. An executive of one of these companies talking about the RFI, termed it as extremely short in nature and said that it had scope for only a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ reply.

The RFI has been floated by IAF in an effort to find replacements to the aging MiG-21 aircraft which have been in service for over four decades. Under the command of the IAF are only 32 squadrons of fighter aircraft, as against the mandated 42 squadrons. Of these 32 squadrons, close to 12 squadrons are composed of MiG -21 and MiG -27 aircraft which are to be gradually retired by 2022.

The single-engine fighters which the air force is scouting for are the primary air superiority aircraft and are termed as the first line of aerial defence in a country’s arsenal. These aircraft will be the primary responders to any aerial intrusions and are in charge of guarding the air space until larger air superiority aircraft takeover.

India in the late 1980’s had constituted the LCA Programme in an effort to indigenously develop a replacement for the MiG aircraft. Technological hurdles, however, have delayed the programme and the by-product ‘LCA Tejas’ is years away from rapid induction. The depleting fleet strength has forced the air force to now opt for a foreign fighter.

The RFI has not mentioned the exact numbers the IAF is seeking but has specified that the aircraft will be a single-engine fighter. The RFI further enquires the company’s interest in co-developing a fighter aircraft for the IAF under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar, speaking about the RFI on the sidelines of a defence engagement in January, 2017, confirmed that the air force was indeed scouting for a single-engine fighter to replace the Soviet origin MiG-21 aircraft.

Speaking about the selection process he had said “The second line for single engine requirement is felt, for which we are thinking of using the strategic partnership route. Very soon once the strategic partnership chapter is finalised, we should start moving in that direction. During the current year the decision should be tentatively over. Maybe a few of them will come in ready-made status but the rest will be made in India increasing the Indian capability in aviation. The company with the best transfer of technology and economically viable offer will be selected”.

The Saab manufactured Gripen – E fighter aircraft which is on offer to the Indian Air Force.

With the air force opting for single-engine fighter the race has narrowed down to Saab’s Gripen and Lockheed Martin’s F-16 fighter aircraft. Saab and Lockheed Martin remain the sole manufacturers of single-engine fighter aircraft worldwide.

Sweden based Saab, a pioneer in aerospace technology, has offered its latest and smartest Gripen – E fighter for the air force. The company has steadfastly offered its Gripen platform to the IAF since the late 90’s. Gripen – E which was rolled out in May, 2016 remains to be one of the most advanced and the latest 4.5 generation fighter in the market.

The Gripen – E dubbed the ‘Smart Fighter’ has a combat range of over 1,500 kilometres and is powered by a single GE F414 turbo-fan engine. Highlight to Saab’s offer is its willingness to transfer not just the technologies but the true capabilities required to manufacture fighter aircraft to Indian aerospace firms. Saab has chalked out elaborate plans to set-up one of the world’s most modern aerospace ecosystem and manufacturing facility in India.

Saab India, Chairman Jan Widerström, speaking about the Gripen offer to India said “We will provide the Indian Air Force with an Indian-built combat aircraft of the future, with next generation technology. We are offering real technology transfer. We do not attach strings to our technology. Saab is offering an industrial facility that will be the centre-of-gravity for the Made-in-India Gripen. It is an unrivalled offer that will set new standards in aeronautical engineering excellence for decades to come, should India procure Gripen”

The unmatched ToT offer and the concurrent developmental progress shown by Saab have propelled Saab’s chances in bagging the multi-billion dollar deal. Gripen comes as one of the most cost efficient and yet as a reliable product for the IAF.

Rivalling Saab’s Gripen offer is the legendry ‘F-16 Falcon’ produced by US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin. As India’s relationship with USA matures, Lockheed Martin’s offer to the IAF is gaining solid ground.

The F-16 has been in operation with over two dozen air forces across the world and the company has till date built more than 4,500 fighters. The aircraft has for decades served as the mainstay air superiority fighter of the US air force.

Lockheed Martin is offering India the newest and the latest version of the aircraft which has been earmarked as Block – 70, which is to be built in India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The company has promised to transfer its Texas based production line to India if the air force opts to buy hundreds of these aircraft.

Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighter

If India does opt for the F-16, the country would not only become the lone manufacturer of the aircraft but also a leading MRO destination for these aircraft. However, the echoing calls from the newly elected Trump administration not be exporting jobs outside USA, has damned Lockheed Martin’s offer. Also, there exists critical concern within the air force in choosing an aging technology such as the F-16 which is actively being replaced by the F-35 stealth fighter.

With the government gearing up to release the ‘strategic partnership’ model in the coming months, both Saab and Lockheed Martin are scouting for partners in India. MoD and the air force expect to be signing deals for the aircraft by the year-end, but this however remains highly sceptically given the track record of acquisition programs. While the IAF will be receiving an able fighter, the country’s aerospace sector will receive unmatched technological knowledge to steam ahead with several delayed indigenous programs.
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