Indian Air Force: News & Discussions

[captscooby81]

Now we are looking for AMCA development support from the Russians

After Sukhoi 'mistake', India to go for Russian 5th-generation fighter only on full-tech transfer pact

India will go in for the multi-billion dollar joint development and production of a fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) with Russia only if there is full-scale transfer of technology as well as "benefits" for the indigenous effort to build a futuristic stealth fighter.

Defence ministry sources say this decision has been taken at the "highest levels" in order to "not repeat the mistakes" of the entire Sukhoi-30MKI jet acquisition programme from Russia, which cost India Rs 55,717 crore without any tangible help in developing indigenous fighter-manufacturing capabilities.

"Though bulk of the 272 Sukhois (240 inducted till now) contracted from Russia have been made by Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), they have been basically assembled here with imported knocked-down kits. HAL still cannot manufacture the Sukhois on its own," said a source. A HAL-made Sukhoi (around Rs 450 crore) also costs Rs 100 crore more than the price of the same jet imported from Russia.

So, despite Russian pressure to ink the long-pending final R&D contract for the FGFA, India now wants to know whether it will get good value for the estimated $25 billion it will spend to induct 127 of these single-seat jets. The two countries, incidentally, had inked the FGFA inter-governmental agreement way back in 2007, which was followed by a $295 million preliminary design contract in 2010 before the negotiations stalled.

India has now laid down two essential prerequisites for the FGFA project, apart from examining its entire cost-effectiveness. One, there should be extensive technology transfer, including the "source codes", to ensure India can in the future upgrade the fighter with integration of new weapons on its own. Two, it should directly help the indigenous FGFA project called the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA), the preliminary design work for which is now under way, as was earlier reported by TOI.

"This is mandatory. A high-level committee headed by an Air Marshal from IAF, which includes an IIT Kanpur professor and former chiefs of HAL and National Aerospace Laboratories, is examining all these aspects. The government will take a call after the report is submitted in April," said the source. A swing-role FGFA basically combines advanced stealth, supercruise capability (achieving supersonic cruise speeds without use of afterburners), super-maneuverability, data fusion and multi-sensor integration on a single fighter.

But IAF has been unhappy with the Russian FGFA called Sukhoi T-50 or PAK-FA because the jet lacks proper stealth and its engine does not have "enough thrust", which are among 43 critical modifications or shortcomings it pointed out earlier.

Russia, however, is now promising the Indian FGFA or the "perspective multi-role fighter" will be quite different from the Sukhoi T-50, with more powerful engines and other capabilities. Under the main R&D contract, India and Russia are supposed to contribute $4 billion each for prototype development, testing and infrastructure build-up.Deliveries of the fighters, which will cost extra, were earlier supposed to begin 94 months after it was inked.

 

[uoftotaku]

I am suprised why india is still stuck @ 42 squadrons of fighters why cant we increse our fighter squadrons strenght to a 100 that will give a even spread of 50 fighter squadrons per front and we should also re raise the IAFVR a with an additional fighter squadron strength of 100 that again will give us a spread of 50 per front in reserves and 100 squadrons per front in Actual combat conditions

There are 2 factors to consider. First is the actual number of sqds and Second is the actual number of aircraft assigned to each sqd also.

First : The number of req sqds is currently a reflective of the IAF's "Sanctioned Strength" as determined by Parliament. Of course the IAF itself sets a Min Benchmark and can request an increase if it feels but given current situation where even the actual sanctioned strength of 42 is nowhere near being filled, any increase is wishful thinking.

Second: The number of aircraft is also "Sanctioned". Hence most IAF sqds are made up of 21 planes on paper, 18 operational + 2 trainers + 1 reserve. In reality most have fewer planes due to shortage of available airframes. Also to consider is the mix between single seat and tandem seat planes. IAF having operated mostly Soviet aircraft is still stuck with old mix of mostly single seat aircraft for combat and tandem seat only for trainer role (except for MKI).

Now compare with the force structure of western air forces, specifically US and French AF. In Cold War the std fighter sqd was 18 aircraft, 16 single seaters and 2 tandem. All aircraft combat coded as they normally have standalone training and operational conversion sqds. Post-Cold War, as budgets were cut, there was a move to consolidate and save. USAF moved to sqds of 24 planes each (single and tandem seat mix depending on type of aircraft). Why? Because they determined that a LOT of admin cost would be saved. For eg, each Sqd has its individual command, maintenance and support staff. For a Wing of 3 sqds of 18, you will have 3 individual Col ranks + to support & command 54 aircraft. For Wing of 2 sqds of 24, 2 Col ranks + to support 48 aircraft. For a strength loss of just 6 planes you bring in savings of a full command rank staff + a full main & support team. Moreover, in an era of multi role aircraft, the old structure of 16+2 or (in IAF case) 18+2 is no longer practical. The 2 seaters are much more versatile and useful now than merely being trainers, notice how IAF is now so keen on getting a better mix of Rafales after their Kargil exp with M2K (where the 2 seaters took lead in LGB strikes)

Think of it this way

42 sqds of 21 planes = 756 Single + 84 Tandem + 42 Reserve = 882 Planes

36 sqds of 24 planes = 576 Single + 288 Tandem = 864 Planes (Reserves TBD) (with cost savings from -6 CO's & Main Teams)

42 sqds of 24 planes = 672 Single + 336 Tandem = 1008 Planes (Reserves TBD)


More bang for your buck

 

[Prashant12]

Air Force base at Panagarh awaits Super Hercules aircraft

KOLKATA: The hush-hush operations squadron complex for C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Air Force Station Arjan Singh in Panagarh, Burdwan, has been completed and the base is awaiting the arrival of the first aircraft in the next few months.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has ordered the second squadron of six Super Hercules aircraft to be based in Panagarh. The first squadron is based at Hindon near New Delhi.

"The operations squadron complex for these aircraft is a special one and has been built under supervision of experts from Lockheed Martin, the manufacturers of the Super Hercules. Very few people have access to the complex that comprise the hangers and maintenance facilities," a senior IAF official said.

On Tuesday, the complex was inaugurated by Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh after whom the base, of World War-II vintage, was named after its upgradation in 2016. Among those present during the inauguration was Air Marshal Anil Khosla, AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command. After its upgradation, the air base can accomodate all aircraft used by the IAF.

The C-130Js are special tactical support aircraft. Just as they can be used to transport equipment to far flung areas (in this case Advanced Landing Grounds close to the Line of Actual Control with China), these aircraft can participate is special operations by clandestinely landing troops and evacuating them without much fuss.

According to another official, Special Forces stay within the operations squadron complex itself and practice on a regular basis till they are called in for the real thing. The squadron at Panagarh is also crucial as the Army's new mountain strike corps is based there.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...waits-super-hercules/articleshow/57545975.cms

 

[bhramos]

Indian Air Force airlifts 530 people stranded on snowed-in Jammu Highway to Srinagar

UDHAMPUR: IAF today carried out sorties of over 500 passengers who were stranded in Jammu following closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway due to heavy rains and snowfall, to Kashmir Valley.

About 830 passengers, who were stranded at Jammu bus stand, were ferried to IAF station here in 17 SRTC buses today. Among them 530 passengers were airlifted in two sorties of IL-76 Plane to Srinagar, IAF officials said.

More sorties are likely to be operated between Udhampur and Srinagar, they said. The nearly 300-km long national highway remained closed for vehicular traffic for the 7th day today in the wake of fresh landslides due to snowfall and rains.

"The national highway remains closed for traffic as fresh landslides have rendered it unsafe for vehicular movement," an official of the Traffic Department here said. He said landslides occurred at Mehar in Ramban and other places near Ramsoo yesterday, leaving behind a trail of muck which blocked the highway.



http://www.newindianexpress.com/nat...wed-in-jammu-highway-to-srinagar-1581276.html

 

[Prayash]

India to fit six new C-130J s with terrain warning system
http://www.janes.com/article/68763/india-to-fit-six-new-c-130j-s-with-terrain-warning-system

 

[WolfPack86]

.@DRDO_India Here's why the @DRDO_India announcement today is significant:
https://twitter.com/livefist?lang=en

 

[TPFscopes]

NDIA to acquire at least 60 Airbus C-295 transport aircraft : IAF Chief BS DhanoDhanoa

 

[TPFscopes]

Indo-Russian Multi-role Transport Aircraft Program Terminated

 

[Filtercoffee]

Indo-Russian Multi-role Transport Aircraft Program Terminated

If this is true then how did they project this as a joint effort?

 

[Prayash]

India to acquire at least 60 Airbus C-295 transport aircraft: Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa

• Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to begin contract negotiations for acquiring 56 Airbus C-295 transport aircraft as replacements for its ageing Avro HS-748 aircraft.
  
  According to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, due attention is being paid to all assets of IAF, fighters and transporters included, and that "contract negotiations for 56 C-295 aircraft to replace the ageing Avro fleet are likely to commence shortly".
  
  Separately, official sources indicated that the Border Security Force (BSF) is also looking at four C-295s for movement of its troopers within the country.
  That takes the projected number to 60, but as the aircraft will be made in India by the Tata Group, their number should go up eventually, keeping in mind the regional connectivity plans of the Civil Aviation Ministry, particularly in India's northern Himalayan cities.
  
  Airbus officials have also said they are looking at a sizeable share of the Indian civil aviation market, pointing out that the C-295 is already operational in 19 countries.
  
  The air chief's statement is significant as it clearly indicates that the process of acquiring the C-295s is now on a firm track.
  
  The aircraft is to be made in India by the Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) in partnership with Airbus, and as per their announcement in 2014, once a contract is awarded, Airbus Defence and Space will supply the first 16 aircraft in "fly-away" condition from its own final assembly line in Spain and the subsequent 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by TASL. The arrangement will include undertaking structural assembly, final aircraft assembly, systems integration and testing, and management of the indigenous supply chain.
• 
  Asked how the IAF was overcoming many challenges in the transport domain, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said that IAF will also induct another six Lockheed Martin C-130J Special Operations aircraft within the first half of 2017 while one more Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic lift aircraft is being acquired to take their number to 11. Ten C-17s are already operational with the IAF.
  
  It may be recalled that IAF has already inducted the first lot of six C-130Js. One of them, however, had crashed and a case has now been made for its replacement.
  
  About the AN-32 aircraft, which is the workhorse of the IAF and has been under upgrades, he said that their first lot is due for "phase out in 2023-24 and a suitable replacement will be considered at an appropriate time".
  
  The IAF had acquired more than 100 AN 32s beginning mid-1980s from the Soviet Union, and these are being upgraded by Ukraine, which is now an independent state after the breakup of the Soviet Union.
  
  About the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) that was proposed (in 2007) to be designed and built in collaboration with Russia, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said that "the agreement with Russia for MTA could not mature as their proposal did not meet some of the Air Staff Qualitative requirements (ASRs)".
• https://www.google.co.in/amp/m.econ...arshal-bs-dhanoa/amp_articleshow/57813767.cms

 

[sthf]

ACM is being conservative. Airbus Defence thinks that no less than 200 will be produced in India. Few in MOD are sure that atleast 100 will be inducted in IAF alone.

Now that MTA is dead. There is a pretty good chance that An-32s too will be replaced by C-295s.

 

[Prayash]

US Senators urge Trump admin to push for F-16 sale to India
PTI
India has launched an effort to expand its combat aircraft fleet and the competition has reportedly narrowed down to Lockheed's F-16.

Noting that the last F-16 for the US Air Force rolled off the production line in Fort Worth in 1999, the two Senators said India remains the only major F-16 prospect customer. (Photo: PTI)

Washington: Two top Senators have urged the Trump administration to push for the sale of F-16 fighter jets to India to build its capability to counter security threats and balance China's growing military power in the Pacific.

Senators Mark Warner from Virginia and John Cornyn from Texa in a joint letter to US Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said, the Trump administration must make the fighter jet acquisition a priority during initial bilateral discussions with India.


India has launched an effort to expand its combat aircraft fleet and the competition has reportedly narrowed down to Lockheed's F-16 and Saab's Gripen.

Noting that the last F-16 for the US Air Force rolled off the production line in Fort Worth in 1999, the two Senators said India remains the only major F-16 prospect customer.

"A primary factor in India's decision will be compliance with Prime Minister Modi's 'Make in India' initiative, which will require establishing some level of local production capacity," Warner and Cornyn wrote.

"Given the strategic significance of India selecting a US aircraft as the mainstay for its future Air Force and the potential for a decision this year, we ask that the administration make the fighter acquisition a priority during initial bilateral discussions," they said.

Warner, who is a Democrat and Cornyn from the Republican Party are the co-chairs of the influential Senate India caucus, the only country specific caucus in the US Senate.

"We urge you to weigh in forcefully with the White House on the strategic significance of this deal, both to America’s defence industrial base and to our growing security partnership with India," said the letter dated March 23.

Making a strong case for the sale of F-16s to India, the two Senators said this would represent a historic win for America that will deepen the US-India strategic defence relationship and cement cooperation between our two countries for decades to come.

"It would increase interoperability with a key partner and dominant power in South Asia, build India's capability to counter threat from the north, and balance China's growing military capability in the Pacific," they said.

India, they said, increasingly serves as an integral partner in the United States' security architecture in the volatile South Asia region, helping to protect our joint interests and deter common threats, and has emerged as a critical trading partner, they noted.

As such "it is in our national interest to work with India to progress democratic principles through regional security partnership and burden sharing," they said.

"To this end, we support the co-production of our legacy F-16 aircraft in India to help sustain the United States' current fleet of aircraft and aid a critical Indian security need with a proven American product," Cornyn and Warner wrote.

The competition for the fighter jets, they wrote, presents an opportunity to solidify and strengthen the significant gains made in the bilateral US-India defence relationship over the two previous administrations, they said.

 

[Filtercoffee]

US Senators urge Trump admin to push for F-16 sale to India
PTI
India has launched an effort to expand its combat aircraft fleet and the competition has reportedly narrowed down to Lockheed's F-16.

Noting that the last F-16 for the US Air Force rolled off the production line in Fort Worth in 1999, the two Senators said India remains the only major F-16 prospect customer. (Photo: PTI)

Washington: Two top Senators have urged the Trump administration to push for the sale of F-16 fighter jets to India to build its capability to counter security threats and balance China's growing military power in the Pacific.

Senators Mark Warner from Virginia and John Cornyn from Texa in a joint letter to US Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said, the Trump administration must make the fighter jet acquisition a priority during initial bilateral discussions with India.


India has launched an effort to expand its combat aircraft fleet and the competition has reportedly narrowed down to Lockheed's F-16 and Saab's Gripen.

Noting that the last F-16 for the US Air Force rolled off the production line in Fort Worth in 1999, the two Senators said India remains the only major F-16 prospect customer.

"A primary factor in India's decision will be compliance with Prime Minister Modi's 'Make in India' initiative, which will require establishing some level of local production capacity," Warner and Cornyn wrote.

"Given the strategic significance of India selecting a US aircraft as the mainstay for its future Air Force and the potential for a decision this year, we ask that the administration make the fighter acquisition a priority during initial bilateral discussions," they said.

Warner, who is a Democrat and Cornyn from the Republican Party are the co-chairs of the influential Senate India caucus, the only country specific caucus in the US Senate.

"We urge you to weigh in forcefully with the White House on the strategic significance of this deal, both to America’s defence industrial base and to our growing security partnership with India," said the letter dated March 23.

Making a strong case for the sale of F-16s to India, the two Senators said this would represent a historic win for America that will deepen the US-India strategic defence relationship and cement cooperation between our two countries for decades to come.

"It would increase interoperability with a key partner and dominant power in South Asia, build India's capability to counter threat from the north, and balance China's growing military capability in the Pacific," they said.

India, they said, increasingly serves as an integral partner in the United States' security architecture in the volatile South Asia region, helping to protect our joint interests and deter common threats, and has emerged as a critical trading partner, they noted.

As such "it is in our national interest to work with India to progress democratic principles through regional security partnership and burden sharing," they said.

"To this end, we support the co-production of our legacy F-16 aircraft in India to help sustain the United States' current fleet of aircraft and aid a critical Indian security need with a proven American product," Cornyn and Warner wrote.

The competition for the fighter jets, they wrote, presents an opportunity to solidify and strengthen the significant gains made in the bilateral US-India defence relationship over the two previous administrations, they said.

Why would we need an old design beats my thoughts everytime, when we can easily buy the F - 35, we are mulling to be a nanny for everyone. Personally we dont need them. The AMCA and the LCA are good enough.

 

[bhramos]

US Senators urge Trump admin to push for F-16 sale to India
PTI
India has launched an effort to expand its combat aircraft fleet and the competition has reportedly narrowed down to Lockheed's F-16.

Noting that the last F-16 for the US Air Force rolled off the production line in Fort Worth in 1999, the two Senators said India remains the only major F-16 prospect customer. (Photo: PTI)

Washington: Two top Senators have urged the Trump administration to push for the sale of F-16 fighter jets to India to build its capability to counter security threats and balance China's growing military power in the Pacific.

Senators Mark Warner from Virginia and John Cornyn from Texa in a joint letter to US Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said, the Trump administration must make the fighter jet acquisition a priority during initial bilateral discussions with India.


India has launched an effort to expand its combat aircraft fleet and the competition has reportedly narrowed down to Lockheed's F-16 and Saab's Gripen.

Noting that the last F-16 for the US Air Force rolled off the production line in Fort Worth in 1999, the two Senators said India remains the only major F-16 prospect customer.

"A primary factor in India's decision will be compliance with Prime Minister Modi's 'Make in India' initiative, which will require establishing some level of local production capacity," Warner and Cornyn wrote.

"Given the strategic significance of India selecting a US aircraft as the mainstay for its future Air Force and the potential for a decision this year, we ask that the administration make the fighter acquisition a priority during initial bilateral discussions," they said.

Warner, who is a Democrat and Cornyn from the Republican Party are the co-chairs of the influential Senate India caucus, the only country specific caucus in the US Senate.

"We urge you to weigh in forcefully with the White House on the strategic significance of this deal, both to America’s defence industrial base and to our growing security partnership with India," said the letter dated March 23.

Making a strong case for the sale of F-16s to India, the two Senators said this would represent a historic win for America that will deepen the US-India strategic defence relationship and cement cooperation between our two countries for decades to come.

"It would increase interoperability with a key partner and dominant power in South Asia, build India's capability to counter threat from the north, and balance China's growing military capability in the Pacific," they said.

India, they said, increasingly serves as an integral partner in the United States' security architecture in the volatile South Asia region, helping to protect our joint interests and deter common threats, and has emerged as a critical trading partner, they noted.

As such "it is in our national interest to work with India to progress democratic principles through regional security partnership and burden sharing," they said.

"To this end, we support the co-production of our legacy F-16 aircraft in India to help sustain the United States' current fleet of aircraft and aid a critical Indian security need with a proven American product," Cornyn and Warner wrote.

The competition for the fighter jets, they wrote, presents an opportunity to solidify and strengthen the significant gains made in the bilateral US-India defence relationship over the two previous administrations, they said.

lol F-16 face China, nice jokes....
Gripen or Rafale or Flankers...

 

[bhramos]

Why would we need an old design beats my thoughts everytime, when we can easily buy the F - 35, we are mulling to be a nanny for everyone. Personally we dont need them. The AMCA and the LCA are good enough.

lol LCA ... when it comes to China air war is fighting with infinity, they have huge numbers.. LCA is just 1 Sqn, & AMCA not before 2025....
the only way to win war with China is go Nuclear...

 

[Bahamut]

US Senators urge Trump admin to push for F-16 sale to India
PTI
India has launched an effort to expand its combat aircraft fleet and the competition has reportedly narrowed down to Lockheed's F-16.

Noting that the last F-16 for the US Air Force rolled off the production line in Fort Worth in 1999, the two Senators said India remains the only major F-16 prospect customer. (Photo: PTI)

Washington: Two top Senators have urged the Trump administration to push for the sale of F-16 fighter jets to India to build its capability to counter security threats and balance China's growing military power in the Pacific.

Senators Mark Warner from Virginia and John Cornyn from Texa in a joint letter to US Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said, the Trump administration must make the fighter jet acquisition a priority during initial bilateral discussions with India.


India has launched an effort to expand its combat aircraft fleet and the competition has reportedly narrowed down to Lockheed's F-16 and Saab's Gripen.

Noting that the last F-16 for the US Air Force rolled off the production line in Fort Worth in 1999, the two Senators said India remains the only major F-16 prospect customer.

"A primary factor in India's decision will be compliance with Prime Minister Modi's 'Make in India' initiative, which will require establishing some level of local production capacity," Warner and Cornyn wrote.

"Given the strategic significance of India selecting a US aircraft as the mainstay for its future Air Force and the potential for a decision this year, we ask that the administration make the fighter acquisition a priority during initial bilateral discussions," they said.

Warner, who is a Democrat and Cornyn from the Republican Party are the co-chairs of the influential Senate India caucus, the only country specific caucus in the US Senate.

"We urge you to weigh in forcefully with the White House on the strategic significance of this deal, both to America’s defence industrial base and to our growing security partnership with India," said the letter dated March 23.

Making a strong case for the sale of F-16s to India, the two Senators said this would represent a historic win for America that will deepen the US-India strategic defence relationship and cement cooperation between our two countries for decades to come.

"It would increase interoperability with a key partner and dominant power in South Asia, build India's capability to counter threat from the north, and balance China's growing military capability in the Pacific," they said.

India, they said, increasingly serves as an integral partner in the United States' security architecture in the volatile South Asia region, helping to protect our joint interests and deter common threats, and has emerged as a critical trading partner, they noted.

As such "it is in our national interest to work with India to progress democratic principles through regional security partnership and burden sharing," they said.

"To this end, we support the co-production of our legacy F-16 aircraft in India to help sustain the United States' current fleet of aircraft and aid a critical Indian security need with a proven American product," Cornyn and Warner wrote.

The competition for the fighter jets, they wrote, presents an opportunity to solidify and strengthen the significant gains made in the bilateral US-India defence relationship over the two previous administrations, they said.

Only block 70 platform based on agile falcon platform with full ToT, IPR and production know how

 

[Bahamut]

US Senators urge Trump admin to push for F-16 sale to India
PTI
India has launched an effort to expand its combat aircraft fleet and the competition has reportedly narrowed down to Lockheed's F-16.

Noting that the last F-16 for the US Air Force rolled off the production line in Fort Worth in 1999, the two Senators said India remains the only major F-16 prospect customer. (Photo: PTI)

Washington: Two top Senators have urged the Trump administration to push for the sale of F-16 fighter jets to India to build its capability to counter security threats and balance China's growing military power in the Pacific.

Senators Mark Warner from Virginia and John Cornyn from Texa in a joint letter to US Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said, the Trump administration must make the fighter jet acquisition a priority during initial bilateral discussions with India.


India has launched an effort to expand its combat aircraft fleet and the competition has reportedly narrowed down to Lockheed's F-16 and Saab's Gripen.

Noting that the last F-16 for the US Air Force rolled off the production line in Fort Worth in 1999, the two Senators said India remains the only major F-16 prospect customer.

"A primary factor in India's decision will be compliance with Prime Minister Modi's 'Make in India' initiative, which will require establishing some level of local production capacity," Warner and Cornyn wrote.

"Given the strategic significance of India selecting a US aircraft as the mainstay for its future Air Force and the potential for a decision this year, we ask that the administration make the fighter acquisition a priority during initial bilateral discussions," they said.

Warner, who is a Democrat and Cornyn from the Republican Party are the co-chairs of the influential Senate India caucus, the only country specific caucus in the US Senate.

"We urge you to weigh in forcefully with the White House on the strategic significance of this deal, both to America’s defence industrial base and to our growing security partnership with India," said the letter dated March 23.

Making a strong case for the sale of F-16s to India, the two Senators said this would represent a historic win for America that will deepen the US-India strategic defence relationship and cement cooperation between our two countries for decades to come.

"It would increase interoperability with a key partner and dominant power in South Asia, build India's capability to counter threat from the north, and balance China's growing military capability in the Pacific," they said.

India, they said, increasingly serves as an integral partner in the United States' security architecture in the volatile South Asia region, helping to protect our joint interests and deter common threats, and has emerged as a critical trading partner, they noted.

As such "it is in our national interest to work with India to progress democratic principles through regional security partnership and burden sharing," they said.

"To this end, we support the co-production of our legacy F-16 aircraft in India to help sustain the United States' current fleet of aircraft and aid a critical Indian security need with a proven American product," Cornyn and Warner wrote.

The competition for the fighter jets, they wrote, presents an opportunity to solidify and strengthen the significant gains made in the bilateral US-India defence relationship over the two previous administrations, they said.

Only block 70 platform based on agile falcon platform with full ToT, IPR and production know how

 

[bhramos]

Only block 70 platform based on agile falcon platform with full ToT, IPR and production know how

its not matter of F-16, Block 70 is too costly shit, for China we need sheer numbers, with same price of F-16 we can get 500 LCA, this deals for foreign fighters is just for % for Officials & Businessmen , see 1962 war, we will finish bullets but they still keep coming...., USA is using Asian countries like as battle front for China & EU for Russia, we die but US earns $$$...

 

[TPFscopes]

If this is true then how did they project this as a joint effort?

The main reason of disagree is "FADEC" system. India demanded for FADEC to ensure safety but Russian denied

 

[TPFscopes]

US Senators urge Trump to push for F-16 sale to India
PTI
India has launched an effort to expand its combat aircraft fleet and the competition has reportedly narrowed down to Lockheed's F-16.

Noting that the last F-16 for the US Air Force rolled off the production line in Fort Worth in 1999, the two Senators said India remains the only major F-16 prospect customer. (Photo: PTI)

Washington: Two top Senators have urged the Trump administration to push for the sale of F-16 fighter jets to India to build its capability to counter security threats and balance China's growing military power in the Pacific.

Senators Mark Warner from Virginia and John Cornyn from Texa in a joint letter to US Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said, the Trump administration must make the fighter jet acquisition a priority during initial bilateral discussions with India.


India has launched an effort to expand its combat aircraft fleet and the competition has reportedly narrowed down to Lockheed's F-16 and Saab's Gripen.

Noting that the last F-16 for the US Air Force rolled off the production line in Fort Worth in 1999, the two Senators said India remains the only major F-16 prospect customer.

"A primary factor in India's decision will be compliance with Prime Minister Modi's 'Make in India' initiative, which will require establishing some level of local production capacity," Warner and Cornyn wrote.

"Given the strategic significance of India selecting a US aircraft as the mainstay for its future Air Force and the potential for a decision this year, we ask that the administration make the fighter acquisition a priority during initial bilateral discussions," they said.

Warner, who is a Democrat and Cornyn from the Republican Party are the co-chairs of the influential Senate India caucus, the only country specific caucus in the US Senate.

"We urge you to weigh in forcefully with the White House on the strategic significance of this deal, both to America’s defence industrial base and to our growing security partnership with India," said the letter dated March 23.

Making a strong case for the sale of F-16s to India, the two Senators said this would represent a historic win for America that will deepen the US-India strategic defence relationship and cement cooperation between our two countries for decades to come.

"It would increase interoperability with a key partner and dominant power in South Asia, build India's capability to counter threat from the north, and balance China's growing military capability in the Pacific," they said.

India, they said, increasingly serves as an integral partner in the United States' security architecture in the volatile South Asia region, helping to protect our joint interests and deter common threats, and has emerged as a critical trading partner, they noted.

As such "it is in our national interest to work with India to progress democratic principles through regional security partnership and burden sharing," they said.

"To this end, we support the co-production of our legacy F-16 aircraft in India to help sustain the United States' current fleet of aircraft and aid a critical Indian security need with a proven American product," Cornyn and Warner wrote.

The competition for the fighter jets, they wrote, presents an opportunity to solidify and strengthen the significant gains made in the bilateral US-India defence relationship over the two previous administrations, they said.

I really don't like F-16 because it can't be further upgraded if any change will be demanded.
Moreover, I doubt US' position when there will be a war against their ally like PAKISTAN. As they stopped GPS Services in Kargil war
Better to invest and Fastrack TEJAS MK2 AND AMCA, it will be much better. Or IND can buy GRIPEN with full ToT and only production linein India to ensure healthy competition.