Know Your 'Rafale'

[Cutting Edge 2]

New RM Arun Jaitly wants DA to integrate the Safran-Kaveri Engine in Rafale, which was recommended by Manohar Parrikar who wanted all new Jets in India should have Indian Engines as much as possible.
This could delay Rafale procurement by 1 year or beyond depending on the success of Safran-Kaveri.
Safran-Kaveri program would see the single engine eventually going to LCA variant, twin engines powering Rafale and an upgraded version to AMCA. This will help in real Make In India with 50% of offsets in 36 Flyaway giving us component level manufacturing and with Engines and other things, the custom build Rafale for India will easily cross more than 50% with target of more than 70% for Indian parts.

As I have stated earlier with all the fighter engines (3000-5000 engines) required over a 20-30 years period Rafales will be actually free for India. 100% of Kaveri IPR will be with India and we will make the engine from raw material stage with zero imported parts.

To arrest the falling squadron strength of IAF there is a talk of buying out old Mirage 2000 from Qatar 12 nos, UAE around 50 nos, and France 30 nos, that's around 5 sqdns worth of M2Ks to retire equal nos of Mig 27s. The plan is to offer buy back scheme where these nations buy Rafales made in India and we buy out their old M2K so as to increase sale of Rafales and bring down R&D cost down and also final cost too. Could be on lines of Malaysian Mig 29 deal where we are supplying Sukhoi Su 30 spare Parts in lieu of 18nos. Mig 29s.

Future of Indian aviation industry looks very bright under current government. They are negotiating the hack out of every deal (Gujju style). Now we have to wait and watch for the ground results of this effort. I think we are finally moving in the right direction to counter Chinese military might.

 

[smestarz]

When we term the word "Squadron strength" its not just numbers, but also how capable the planes are vis a vis the opponents. Mirage 2000 is really old plane and not capable what are there with our neighbours. Even tejas can beat Mirage 2000 hands down. So your idea is to fill IAF with 5 squadrons of Junk? that is your version of future for IAF ? Just for your information, Kargil war took place near about 18 years ago and that is when Mirage 2000 was already being replaced by Rafale, that is very very very long time ago,. I mean if you really just want numbers, why not buy some spitfires and hurricanes or typhoons of WW2, you might get 5 squadrons in less than a 100 million.. Small quantity of outdated planes is ok (like malaysian 10 MiG-29, but taking 5 squadrons of outdated planes is like filling your house with junk and expecting to feel safe.

New RM Arun Jaitly wants DA to integrate the Safran-Kaveri Engine in Rafale, which was recommended by Manohar Parrikar who wanted all new Jets in India should have Indian Engines as much as possible.
This could delay Rafale procurement by 1 year or beyond depending on the success of Safran-Kaveri.
Safran-Kaveri program would see the single engine eventually going to LCA variant, twin engines powering Rafale and an upgraded version to AMCA. This will help in real Make In India with 50% of offsets in 36 Flyaway giving us component level manufacturing and with Engines and other things, the custom build Rafale for India will easily cross more than 50% with target of more than 70% for Indian parts.

As I have stated earlier with all the fighter engines (3000-5000 engines) required over a 20-30 years period Rafales will be actually free for India. 100% of Kaveri IPR will be with India and we will make the engine from raw material stage with zero imported parts.

To arrest the falling squadron strength of IAF there is a talk of buying out old Mirage 2000 from Qatar 12 nos, UAE around 50 nos, and France 30 nos, that's around 5 sqdns worth of M2Ks to retire equal nos of Mig 27s. The plan is to offer buy back scheme where these nations buy Rafales made in India and we buy out their old M2K so as to increase sale of Rafales and bring down R&D cost down and also final cost too. Could be on lines of Malaysian Mig 29 deal where we are supplying Sukhoi Su 30 spare Parts in lieu of 18nos. Mig 29s.

 

[Cutting Edge 2]

When we term the word "Squadron strength" its not just numbers, but also how capable the planes are vis a vis the opponents. Mirage 2000 is really old plane and not capable what are there with our neighbours. Even tejas can beat Mirage 2000 hands down. So your idea is to fill IAF with 5 squadrons of Junk? that is your version of future for IAF ? Just for your information, Kargil war took place near about 18 years ago and that is when Mirage 2000 was already being replaced by Rafale, that is very very very long time ago,. I mean if you really just want numbers, why not buy some spitfires and hurricanes or typhoons of WW2, you might get 5 squadrons in less than a 100 million.. Small quantity of outdated planes is ok (like malaysian 10 MiG-29, but taking 5 squadrons of outdated planes is like filling your house with junk and expecting to feel safe.

Number of planes are also very important especially in a two front war. We are buying some state of the art new planes from France/US/Russia but this whole process will take lots of time. So meanwhile DM is planning to temporarily fill India's falling squad no ASAP hence this idea. This will also give us some bargaining chip for negotiations. BTW Used Mirage 2000 looks preety good when we compare it with our bisons.

Anyways all of these are just speculations and nothing concrete on the ground besides some phone calls here and there. Biggest obstacle for this deal will be price and serviceability of the birds in question.

 

[smestarz]

Numbers of Capable planes are important, for example do you really expect to shove Mirage 2000 against the likes of J-31 and for Mirages to win? If you want to go for numbers, then best is to first retire the entire IAF top brass, and then shove Tejas 1A down the throat of IAF whether they like it or not. Thats where you are getting number of good planes 12-18 per year which will easily be more than a match for Pakistani F-16 Block 52 but wont be able to match J-31, but Mirage 2000 in its form wont be able to match even the Pakistani Block 40s
The point is when we can produce a new and better plane in short time, why would any country be eager to buy 2md hjand planes in big quantity which are old, outdated and unable to face the enemy planes? Only for numbers??

Say these are just speculations, 2nd hand Mirage 2000 without AESA...and we should select it over Tejas with an AESA and mostly made in India parts and which can target and frie on enemy planes almost twice what Mirage 2000 can do? WOW what a plan

Number of planes are also very important especially in a two front war. We are buying some state of the art new planes from France/US/Russia but this whole process will take lots of time. So meanwhile DM is planning to temporarily fill India's falling squad no ASAP hence this idea. This will also give us some bargaining chip for negotiations. BTW Used Mirage 2000 looks preety good when we compare it with our bisons.

Anyways all of these are just speculations and nothing concrete on the ground besides some phone calls here and there. Biggest obstacle for this deal will be price and serviceability of the birds in question.

 

[lcafanboy]

Numbers of Capable planes are important, for example do you really expect to shove Mirage 2000 against the likes of J-31 and for Mirages to win? If you want to go for numbers, then best is to first retire the entire IAF top brass, and then shove Tejas 1A down the throat of IAF whether they like it or not. Thats where you are getting number of good planes 12-18 per year which will easily be more than a match for Pakistani F-16 Block 52 but wont be able to match J-31, but Mirage 2000 in its form wont be able to match even the Pakistani Block 40s
The point is when we can produce a new and better plane in short time, why would any country be eager to buy 2md hjand planes in big quantity which are old, outdated and unable to face the enemy planes? Only for numbers??

Say these are just speculations, 2nd hand Mirage 2000 without AESA...and we should select it over Tejas with an AESA and mostly made in India parts and which can target and frie on enemy planes almost twice what Mirage 2000 can do? WOW what a plan

Mirage 2000s in question are post 2000 make and are 2000-9 version which are better than block 52 f-16s. Where are j-31. I haven't seen a single piece inducted into Chinese air force let alone Pak air force. All M2ks can be deployed on Pak borders freeing su-30s for Chinese border.

Okay we retire top brass of IAF now what can HAL deliver 90 Fighters in 2-3 yrs, besides what it is delivering now.

Total no. of Sqdns to be retired in next 5 yrs: 18

9 Sqdns of MIG 21
6 Sqdns of MIG 27
3 Sqdns of Jaguar

And only 8 are on order

2 Sqdns of Rafales
1 Sqdn of su30
1 Sqdn of LCA Mk1A
4 Sqdns of LCA Mk1A

From where shortfall of 10 Sqdns will be covered? Please answer.

 

[Armand2REP]

by the time the last Rafale is delivered, we might expect Pakistan and China both to be inducting 5th Gen planes. So its "great" to be facing 5th Gen planes with 4th Gen rafale..
cannon fodder

If J-20 is the best China has to offer I wouldn't expect that at all. They can't even export an Exocet clone that doesn't have a 90% failure rate.

 

[BON PLAN]

Rafale does take 3 years to produce and 36 planes are not going to come at the same time, they would come in batches of say 3 or 5 or 6 depending how are available, so it might be 3 or say 6 out of 36 and that is the frist batch, and not 36 as first batch.

Sure.
But first delivery (saying 3 or 4 planes) is intended in early 2019 (1st quarter). And in the contract it is written than all the 36 will be delivered in 36 months.
It takes a little bit less than 3 years to built a Rafale, so if you want to avoid a stop in the delivery, it is smart to put another order in the beginning of 2019.

 

[lcafanboy]

Sure.
But first delivery (saying 3 or 4 planes) is intended in early 2019 (1st quarter). And in the contract it is written than all the 36 will be delivered in 36 months.
It takes a little bit less than 3 years to built a Rafale, so if you want to avoid a stop in the delivery, it is smart to put another order in the beginning of 2019.

They will be ordered next year in 2018 itself after Safran delivers Snecma-Kaveri Engine. Indian govt is waiting for Kaveri to be delivered as promised and then all the flood gates will be opened for 36 fly away and MII with more than 200 Rafales plus 3 to 6 Scopenes and many more. Indian govt wants to make sure and see intent of France in delivering technology know how before placing eggs into French Basket.

 

[BON PLAN]

They will be ordered next year in 2018 itself after Safran delivers Snecma-Kaveri Engine. Indian govt is waiting for Kaveri to be delivered as promised and then all the flood gates will be opened for 36 fly away and MII with more than 200 Rafales plus 3 to 6 Scopenes and many more. Indian govt wants to make sure and see intent of France in delivering technology know how before placing eggs into French Basket.

I think and hope french side will do its best to clinch more deals.
I would be very surprised to see a safranized Kaveri in 2018.... I think it's too short. But I'm not a specialist and not fully aware.
200+ Rafale ? I'm afraid not. 100 to 120 will be a max (and already a beautifull success for Dassault and for France).

 

[Flame Thrower]

Mirage 2000s in question are post 2000 make and are 2000-9 version which are better than block 52 f-16s. Where are j-31. I haven't seen a single piece inducted into Chinese air force let alone Pak air force. All M2ks can be deployed on Pak borders freeing su-30s for Chinese border.

Okay we retire top brass of IAF now what can HAL deliver 90 Fighters in 2-3 yrs, besides what it is delivering now.

Total no. of Sqdns to be retired in next 5 yrs: 18

9 Sqdns of MIG 21
6 Sqdns of MIG 27
3 Sqdns of Jaguar

And only 8 are on order

2 Sqdns of Rafales
1 Sqdn of su30
1 Sqdn of LCA Mk1A
4 Sqdns of LCA Mk1A

From where shortfall of 10 Sqdns will be covered? Please answer.

You seriously want to go for second hand "Mirage 2000-9" over LCA MK 1A!!??...

One more thing, I seriously doubt Jaguars will go.

 

[lcafanboy]

You seriously want to go for second hand "Mirage 2000-9" over LCA MK 1A!!??...

One more thing, I seriously doubt Jaguars will go.

All pre 2000 jaguars will be discarded as they are not in good condition. How many LCA Mk1A can HAL deliver in 5 years?

 

[Flame Thrower]

I

All pre 2000 jaguars will be discarded as they are not in good condition. How many LCA Mk1A can HAL deliver in 5 years?

I'd rather wait for IAF/MoD to confirm on retiring Jaguars.

I hope to see 40 to 48 LCAs in 5 yrs.

How many squads of second hand mirage 2000-9s you want and what would be the cost of each plane!?

Who will pay for refurbishment!?

Last MLU for mirages in 2009/10 (not sure of the year) costed nearly 50 million along with 10 yrs!!? Spares and weapons...

How much do you intend to put for Mirage 2000-9 spares and weapons.

How come retirement of mig 27 will affect our air policing ability.

For your info, retirement of MiG start at 2022 and they plan to finish the retirement process by 2025(hopefully, I think this will be extended in case of new mig 21 bis till 123 lcas are delivered). Don't expect every plane will be retired in 2022. By 2025 we'll have 90 to 100 LCAs.

Hope this clarifies things.

 

[sthf]

@Flame Thrower Can't retire Jaguar until replacement arrives. So far only Rafales can and would be bloody expensive.

Later Jags have a lot of life left and last two batches were inducted in the late 90s and early 2000s from what I can remember.

 

[WolfPack86]

IAF restrategizing plans to buy more Rafale and other Modern Fighter Jets
Get the feeling that India’s ‘Make in India’ fighter project(s) have gone cold over the last two months? Well, for one thing, you’re not alone. For another, you’re right — it definitely feels like they’re on the proverbial backburner. And there are good reasons. We begin the first of this week’s special two-part deep dive on the Indian Air Force’s Make In India fighter projects by bringing to you a breakdown distilled from a range of conversations over two weeks with several officers leading the acquisitions and plans processes at the IAF and Ministry of Defence.

1. As we speak, a quiet, hard-nosed process is on at the Indian Air Force Headquarters. Budget constraints are nothing new to the IAF. But under its present chief, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, the acquisitions and plans wing is conducting a no-nonsense re-ordering of acquisition priorities that will, in the words of a senior officer, ‘see many projects quietly disappear into thin air’. This is almost certainly going to mean blood for high value acquisitions that can be reasonably put off or cancelled.

2. There’s no doubt that fighter acquisitions remain a top priority for the IAF, and the current priority shake-up won’t likely kill any pipeline plans. However, the IAF will almost definitely prioritise funds to add more fighter numbers quickly to the force. This could manifest in a series of ways: (a) A reconfiguration of the Make In India foreign fighter projects to include a definite number of quickly deliverable flyaway units, (b) Fast-tracking the addition of Rafale orders beyond the 36 on contract.

3. By all accounts, the departure of erstwhile Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has come as more than just a speedbreaker in proceedings that require a heavy political foot on the gas pedal at all times. There is no reason to believe that Parrikar’s successor Arun Jaitley won’t shepherd plans onward. But there’s no doubt in the minds of officers on the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the MoD bureaucracy or at the very top of the IAF, that precious impetus has been abruptly lost with the exit of Parrikar, a rare intangible commodity that must now be rebuilt from scratch.

4. Livefist has learnt that in the weeks and months ahead, a far more realistic acquisition ethic is to become apparent from the Indian Air Force’s requirements wing. The re-ordering of modernisation priorities mentioned above will produce a new list that expunges several declared ‘big ticket’ acquisition plans. Top sources indicate that a clinical pruning (or ‘rationalisation’) of the IAF’s surface-to-air missile requirement, for instance, could be chief among this series of moves.

5. The Indo-Russian FGFA programme appears to be inching its way out of years of a troubling stall. A 5-member Indian committee tasked with identifying and defining what’s in it for India is all set to submit its report to the MoD in a week. In the meantime, reports suggest the two sides are set to conclude a ‘milestone’ design agreement on the FGFA/PMF. While the IAF’s interest in the FGFA remains, Livefist can confirm that the IAF has, at the behest of the erstwhile Parrikar-led MoD, wargamed an acquisitions scenario that envisages the total collapse of discussions with Moscow.

6. The Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP), a tri-service capability roadmap and wishlist produced by the Indian MoD under minister A.K. Antony in 2012-2013 has been an exercise in waste. Top sources say it is no longer even a broad, tentative touchstone for modernisation at any level. Unprioritised and without any committed budgetary support, it remains a sumptuous compilation of presentations with literally no concrete actionable elements to guide force additions.

7. Under Parrikar, the Indian military were able to arrive at the most specific definition of what they needed to be prepared for in all circumstances: ten days of intense operations on any front and across dimensions. All plans, ammunition levels and reserves need to revolve around this. The benchmark was revisited recently at the Air Force Commanders’ Conference. Apart from aircraft both fixed wing and rotary, acquisition priorities include ammunition and ordnance across mission profiles and equipment for the IAF’s small Special Forces units.
http://defencenews.in/article.aspx?id=252019

 

[WolfPack86]

IDN TAKE: GOVERNMENT NOT KEEN TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL RAFALE FIGHTER JETS
Even though the Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a severe depletion of its fleet strength, the government does not seem keen to place a follow-on order to buy Rafale fighter jets as part of the MMRCA requirement. The government signed a contract to purchase 36 Rafale fighter jets in fly-away condition for a whopping $8.8 billion in Sep 2016. The original plan was to buy 126 Rafale jets. However, the plan was trimmed owing to the cost of each aircraft and only 36 were bought after protracted negotiations with France. As a result, it is now unlikely that the government will place any further orders to buy these expensive planes even though it needs additional aircraft.
Apart from the exorbitant cost of acquiring the Rafales, Dassault Aviation had made it clear to the authorities that it will not be able to go for full transfer of technology and create an industrial ecosystem by manufacturing the planes here under the ‘Make in India’ program.
The augmentation philosophy of fleet rationalization by the IAF seems to be focused on inducting single engine jet fighters rather than buy more of the expensive twin-engine Rafales or other similar type. The front-runners in this race are believed to SAAB's JAS-39 Gripen and Lockheed Martin’s F-16. According to sources, the deal size of which is around $12 billion. However, the F-16 deal is currently in a tailspin due to Trump's protectionist policies.
At present, IAF has 34 squadrons out of the 42 required to guard the skies. This is the lowest count for the IAF in the last decade. Each squadron consists of 18 aircraft. Apart from this, 11 squadrons consisting of aging MiG-21s, are already being retired, which will pose an additional challenge.
Interestingly, sources also said in March 2017 that Dassault Aviation is now lobbying with the government on the Indian Navy’s plan to purchase 57 Multi-Role Carrier Borne Fighters.
But, it seems the MoD will not be opting for Rafale due to its high price. As a result, Boeing and MiG are now eyeing the deal. Boeing has offered its F/A-18 Super Hornet, which is being used by the US Navy.
According to sources, the cost of maintaining Rafale jets is also higher than other aircraft offering a similar platform. Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO, Dassault Aviation had said on the sidelines of the Aero India show in Feb 2017 that the company would set up a plant to manufacture the fighter jets in India only for an order of more than a 100 jets.
http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2017/05/idn-take-government-not-keen-to.html

 

[smestarz]

As per the developments now
India will be going for 5th Gen PAKFA co-development so by the time the Rafales enter service, we might expect even the PAKFA to come up with nos. So what is the point to buy a 4th Gen plane when an actual 5th Gen plane (designed from start) is available?

What India needs is more single engine plane to protect important cities and industrial centres for which role, Rafale is too expensive. Thus we wait possibly for F-16 which Trump might not allow, or Gripen which will be almost expensive as Rafale, Thus in a way, there would be two options
The first is Tejas which is our own plane and will really be the right step, The second could be MiG-35 which offers more upgraded Tech than MiG-29. IAF has no issues with MiG-29 and further with the matter of spares been solved by Parrikar, it will see a higher availability rate. But I personally would prefer a better engine for MiG-35 perhaps maybe with Kaveri engine hahaha

Rafale is a plane too late and too expensive to really add in numbers/ And further for the "Medium" class we have the Mirage 2000 as well as MiG-29 (for the IAF people who have been stressing medium"

IDN TAKE: GOVERNMENT NOT KEEN TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL RAFALE FIGHTER JETS
Even though the Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a severe depletion of its fleet strength, the government does not seem keen to place a follow-on order to buy Rafale fighter jets as part of the MMRCA requirement. The government signed a contract to purchase 36 Rafale fighter jets in fly-away condition for a whopping $8.8 billion in Sep 2016. The original plan was to buy 126 Rafale jets. However, the plan was trimmed owing to the cost of each aircraft and only 36 were bought after protracted negotiations with France. As a result, it is now unlikely that the government will place any further orders to buy these expensive planes even though it needs additional aircraft.
Apart from the exorbitant cost of acquiring the Rafales, Dassault Aviation had made it clear to the authorities that it will not be able to go for full transfer of technology and create an industrial ecosystem by manufacturing the planes here under the ‘Make in India’ program.
The augmentation philosophy of fleet rationalization by the IAF seems to be focused on inducting single engine jet fighters rather than buy more of the expensive twin-engine Rafales or other similar type. The front-runners in this race are believed to SAAB's JAS-39 Gripen and Lockheed Martin’s F-16. According to sources, the deal size of which is around $12 billion. However, the F-16 deal is currently in a tailspin due to Trump's protectionist policies.
At present, IAF has 34 squadrons out of the 42 required to guard the skies. This is the lowest count for the IAF in the last decade. Each squadron consists of 18 aircraft. Apart from this, 11 squadrons consisting of aging MiG-21s, are already being retired, which will pose an additional challenge.
Interestingly, sources also said in March 2017 that Dassault Aviation is now lobbying with the government on the Indian Navy’s plan to purchase 57 Multi-Role Carrier Borne Fighters.
But, it seems the MoD will not be opting for Rafale due to its high price. As a result, Boeing and MiG are now eyeing the deal. Boeing has offered its F/A-18 Super Hornet, which is being used by the US Navy.
According to sources, the cost of maintaining Rafale jets is also higher than other aircraft offering a similar platform. Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO, Dassault Aviation had said on the sidelines of the Aero India show in Feb 2017 that the company would set up a plant to manufacture the fighter jets in India only for an order of more than a 100 jets.
http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2017/05/idn-take-government-not-keen-to.html

 

[indiandefencefan]

Rafale : Dassault en négociations en Inde
Le Rafale, qui est entré en service en France en 2004, a décroché depuis 2015 trois contrats à l’exportation.

Le Monde.fr avec AFP et Reuters | 15.05.2017 à 08h53

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Dans un entretien publié dimanche sur le site en ligne du quotidien Sud Ouest, le PDG du groupe Dassault, Eric Trappier, a affirmé que des négociations étaient en cours avec l’Inde pour un nouveau contrat de vente d’au moins une cinquantaine d’avions de combat français Rafale.
« Après le contrat signé en Inde, portant sur la livraison de 36 avions Rafale, et la commande de 24 de ces appareils par l’Egypte et de 24 autres par le Qatar, nous devrions bientôt conclure un quatrième contrat à l’étranger, mais ce sera plutôt pour 2018. Nous sommes notamment en négociations avec la Malaisie pour 18 avions, mais aussi avec l’Inde pour un deuxième contrat. Les besoins en Inde sont immenses. Ainsi, pour la marine, il est question de 57 avions. »
Fin mars, le président François Hollande s’était rendu en Malaisie, où le premier ministre, Najib Razak, avait confirmé son intérêt pour l’acquisition de 18 appareils pour un montant d’environ 2 milliards d’euros.

Dans une interview à Reuters en septembre 2016, le PDG de l’avionneur français avait déclaré qu’il espérait la conclusion d’un quatrième contrat Rafale à l’exportation dans les deux ans.

Le Rafale, qui est entré en service en France en 2004, a décroché depuis 2015 trois contrats exports en Egypte et au Qatar (24 exemplaires chacun) et en Inde (36 exemplaires) après une succession de campagnes infructueuses.

http://www.thestar.com.my/business/...-new-deal-for-its-rafale-fighter-jet-in-2018/

Translated Below

Rafale: Dassault in talks in India
The Rafale, which entered service in France in 2004, has been awarded three export contracts since 2015.

Le Monde.fr with AFP and Reuters | 15.05.2017 with 08:53

Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Group, said in an interview published Sunday on the online site of the daily Sud Ouest , that negotiations were underway with India for a new contract of sale of at least fifty- French fighter aircraft Rafale.
"After the contract signed in India for the delivery of 36 Rafale aircraft and the ordering of 24 of these aircraft by Egypt and 24 by Qatar , we should soon conclude a fourth contract abroad, It will be for 2018 . We are in negotiations with Malaysia for 18 aircraft, but also with India for a second contract . The needs in India are immense. So, for the navy, there are 57 aircraft. "
At the end of March, President François Hollande visited Malaysia, where Prime Minister Najib Razak confirmed his interest in acquiring 18 aircraft worth about 2 billion euros.

In an interview with Reuters in September 2016, the CEO of the French aircraft manufacturer had stated that he hoped to conclude a fourth Rafale export contract within two years.

The Rafale, which entered service in France in 2004, has been awarded three exports contracts in Egypt and Qatar (24 each) since 2015 and in India (36 copies) after a succession of unsuccessful campaigns.

 

[Tarun Kumar]

The single engine contract is dead as Grippen E will cost 200mil and F16 is a dead horse for Airforce with its tainted Paki record. My sense is that we will go for 150-200 rafales, 40 more Su 30mki and 126 FGFA.
So AF by 2030:
126 FGFA
310 Su 30mki
40 Jaguar
80 Mig 29 SMT
190 rafale
200 LCA

thats 42 squadrons which is good enough for China/Pak.

 

[WolfPack86]

More Rafales for India

French planemaker Dassault Aviation SA sees a new sale contract for its Rafale fighter jet in 2018, chief executive officer Eric Trappier said in an interview with French regional newspaper Sud-Ouest on Sunday.

“After a contract signed in India, regarding the delivery of 36 Rafale jets, and the order of 24 of these aircraft by Egypt and 24 other by Qatar, we should soon conclude a fourth contract abroad, but it will rather be in 2018,” Trappier said in the interview.

Dassault Aviation is also in talks with India over a potential second contract, Trappier added.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/TeamINDRA/photos/?ref=page_internal

 

[smestarz]

With your suggested numbers, IAF will end up overshooting its expense in quest for getting numbers.
The importance of single engine planes are Short range fighter, and interceptor,
It becomes very important part of defending important cities and industrial points,
So, in my view,
We already have a lot of Su-30 MKI, we should not get more,
Max 126 PAKFA / FGFA (these would take over some jobs from Su-30 MKI and also from Jaguars and Mirage 2000. The job or Mirage 2000 may go to Rafale soon.
36 Rafales
Rest of the numbers made by Tejas Mk 1A ad MK2
Also by2030 we should expect AMCA coming in replacing the MiG-29 in IAF service along with Jaguars.

The single engine contract is dead as Grippen E will cost 200mil and F16 is a dead horse for Airforce with its tainted Paki record. My sense is that we will go for 150-200 rafales, 40 more Su 30mki and 126 FGFA.
So AF by 2030:
126 FGFA
310 Su 30mki
40 Jaguar
80 Mig 29 SMT
190 rafale
200 LCA

thats 42 squadrons which is good enough for China/Pak.