Article

2011-06-04 India-Pakistan

F-16, F-18 fail to make final list for IAF buy

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Posted by Steve White 2011-06-04 00:00|| || Front Page|| [11128 views ] Top

#1 ignoring their huge success rate.

Posted by Water Modem 2011-06-04 00:55|| 2011-06-04 00:55|| Front Page Top

#2 Its a bit more complicated than that. The IAF and some of their pols were asking for a bunch of items that are specifically restricted from foreign military sales, they wouldn't take no for an answer and well..that's why the US stuff isn't in the running for it. There's also the possibility that they weren't offering a big enough kickback to the pols (which is quite common in indian military acquisitions).

Posted by Valentine 2011-06-04 01:36|| 2011-06-04 01:36|| Front Page Top

#3 Also remember that the standard export version of the F-16 and F-18 doesn't have all the electronic goodies that make them deadly before they hit a dogfight. It takes some real dealing to get a F-16 with the electronics to make it lethal at 90 miles.

The SU-27/35 would actually make a really nice fit with the IAF and their supply structure and system.

Posted by DarthVader 2011-06-04 02:12|| 2011-06-04 02:12|| Front Page Top

#4 (which is quite common in indian military acquisitions). Posted by Valentine

"Quite common" elsewhere as well.

Posted by Besoeker 2011-06-04 02:13|| 2011-06-04 02:13|| Front Page Top

#5 LOL...the poor Gripen...how many times have I heard this exact story. "The Gripen was also cut from the purchase consideration." It's not even news, it just rates an extra sentence.

Posted by gromky 2011-06-04 05:59|| 2011-06-04 05:59|| Front Page Top

#6 This is what IAF says: Business Standard

âThe US companies, which flaunt their technological leadership, are feigning hurt that their fighters were found technologically unsuitable. But it was their misjudgement to offer the IAF fighters like the F-16 and the F-18 that are decades old. It is arrogance to claim these have been modernised and are good enough for a country like India. If they wanted to argue technology, they should have fielded the F-35.â

Posted by Willy 2011-06-04 09:09|| 2011-06-04 09:09|| Front Page Top

#7 ...don't forget to throw in the possibility of an American administration that would cut off material logistics in supporting a boycott to leverage Israel is something new in the equation. Congress could put on a big show, but unless they act to withdraw the power from the Executive, it's a done deal.

Posted by Procopius2k 2011-06-04 09:18|| 2011-06-04 09:18|| Front Page Top

#8 The F-35 won't be available in the time frame the IAF needs. Heck, it's not available in the time frame the USAF and USN need. And the U.S. won't (though perhaps should) offer an export version of the F-22.

Technology transfers are also apparently a sticking point on offering the F-35.

Posted by Steve White 2011-06-04 12:22|| 2011-06-04 12:22|| Front Page Top

#9 don't forget to throw in the possibility of an American administration that would cut off material logistics in supporting a boycott to leverage Israel is something new in the equation.

Um, it's 'India', not Israel.

Then again, the title threw me for bit of a loop as well.

Posted by Pappy 2011-06-04 17:30|| 2011-06-04 17:30|| Front Page Top

#10 He meant the perils of single supplier, Pappy.

Posted by g(r)omgoru 2011-06-04 17:44|| 2011-06-04 17:44|| Front Page Top

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